As I continue to work as a Hospitalist, I decided to ask a Nephrologist what do you think about medicine. He mentioned, “The only thing that is guaranteed in medicine is CHANGE.” Now this doesn’t mean all change is good. There have been new policies that help the hospital, and others that a detrimental. He also mentioned, that when your just getting the hang of it, it changes!  However, the consequence is staff either breaks or adapts. At this moment in time, staff is usually abandoning ship, to seek easier lifestyles, better pay, etc. In return, the hospital suffers because of lack of staff. I had a conversation with my patients mother (who also works in my hospital) and felt her frustration. She was so saddened, and embarrassed to recommend her family or friends to her own hospital for healthcare. She understands, as a nurse herself that the shortage of help, nurses, techs, secretaries makes the art of medicine very hard, and inefficient.  The shortage of staff, failure to recruit, to save money is a HUGE mistake. Hearing the mother of my patient vent about the system, I urged her to be proactive and do something about this. Hopefully she will write a letter to management and the board, advocating for change. If the general population wants better healthcare, don’t wave a flyer and complain on TV. Fight for your health care, your human right to be happy and healthy, and have healthy conversations with people who can make change!

Stop complaining, and be proactive for change!

DR SARELA.