A Little Confidence

It was the second day of medical school and already we were headed up to the wards to confront our first real patients. With a shaking hand and a similar shake in my voice, I introduced myself as a first-year student. Sitting down in the chair beside my patient, I asked, “So, what brings you to the hospital today?” My inquisition steadily grew as more questions came pouring forth.

“How long has this been bothering you?

“Is there anything you do that makes the pain better?

“How has this illness affected your quality of life?”

Five minutes flew by in no time at all. Getting a patient history was a piece of cake, I thought. No sweat! Closing …