Danisms

When our sons were in training or in practice, I often met with them over coffee to give them my thoughts on patients and my philosophy about taking care of them. Here is what they called "Danisms:"

1. The doctor is the medicine that gets people well.
2. Ten percent of your patients take up 90% of your time.
3. Don't be in a hurry to give your patient a bad diagnosis.
4. Diseases are easy; people are difficult.
5. Listen to the patient and you will hear the diagnosis and often the treatment.
6. Difficult patients put your kids through college.
7. Sometimes the only satisfaction you will get from patients who aggravate you is when they pay their bills.
8. Your most important diagnostic tool is your ear.
9. When patients love you, they will forgive your mistakes.
10. The patient always knows the truth.
11. Depression is the most common disease in your practice.
12. The most valuable tool in your examining room is your chair--sit in it and listen.