Am I Mental - By doctor Sabine Fonderson

In this episode, I speak about a case from Amsterdam, where a patient's complaint against their orthopedist sparked rigorous examination. Here's what I'll cover:

• Incorrect diagnosis accusations: Did the orthopedist accurately diagnose the cause of the patient's pain complaints?
• Allegations of unnecessary surgery: Was the operation performed by the orthopedist truly warranted?
• Performance critique: Did the orthopedist execute the operation flawlessly, or were there shortcomings in the procedure?
• Negligence claims: Was the orthopedist's conduct during the operation and post-operative care negligent, leading to additional adverse consequences?

How do you think the judges will rule?

Welcome to "Am I Mental, Doctors in Court Edition," the podcast where I unravel the intricate web of medical malpractice cases that leave us questioning the thin line between sanity and negligence.

Today I delve into a gripping case involving a cardiologist, a patient with heart disease, and the devastating consequences of misjudgment.

In this heart-wrenching tale, a cardiologist finds themselves in the courtroom, facing accusations of neglect from the family of a patient who, despite having diabetes and obesity, trusted the expert's care for over 5 years. The turning point came when the patient's general practitioner urged further investigation into persistent chest pains, only to be dismissed by the cardiologist, attributing the discomfort to stomach issues.

As the patient's condition worsened, the general practitioner sought a second opinion from another hospital's cardiologist. The shocking revelation of a severe coronary blockage emerged after a corona-angiogram, leading to a waiting list for a life-saving stent. Tragically, the patient passed away before the procedure could take place, sparking a legal battle against the initial cardiologist for alleged negligence.

Join me as I analyze the intricate details of this case, exploring the medical decisions, ethical dilemmas, and the potential consequences for the cardiologist in question. What will the judges rule? What would you decide in this complex situation? Share your thoughts, comments, and suggestions, and let's navigate the blurred boundaries of responsibility and accountability in the world of healthcare.

Sources:

Are you on Quora? A platform where you can ask any question from getting the best remote jobs to how single mothers can make their children more happy.

Have you not heard about QUORA? It is a platform that anyone can ask a question and get answers to.

I have been on it for quite a while and I appreciate this platform for (in most part) the genuine stories provided in the answers to many questions ranging from which union should I register with to what are the most difficult medical schools.

In todays episode I answer a question asked to me about what a doctor does when (s)he does not like a patient.

I liked this question because it so happens that as a doctor there are times that I really do not like my job, that is me being honest. But when I reflect back on those moments (few as they are), I come to realise that it has more to do with the situation than with the actual person.

As always, situations in healthcare are affected by the way we communicate with each other.  In this episode I give an example of an encounter with a patient that did not go as well as I wanted. It was not that I did not like her, it was more that I did not like the emotion that was triggered in me during and after my consultation with her.

Have you heard about Quora? It is a platform to ask questions and get answers from experts on lots of topics ranging from how to fry an omelette to how to retire in your 40's.

Have you heard of Quora? It is an online platform to ask questions and get answers from experts or just about anyone who can give their own insight.

I signed up to it in around 2010, just after I launched my first start-up A Student's Help in Africa, or ASHIA.

At the time I was not sure what the goal was but in the past 12 years it has become a pretty interactive and engaging space for anything from how cars work to how to raise children.

In this episode I talk about a fragile topic regarding suicide among doctors in particular female doctors. Hypnotherapist Silvia Liebaut is a recurrent expert on this podcast and shares with us tools to prevent states of heightened anxiety, guilt, shame many doctors face when they decide to act upon their worst fears. The impact doctor suicide has on families, colleagues, other professionals and the community is devastating and it is up to us to make sure that there are tools available to signal and prevent this from occurring.

Many doctors work in a culture of blame, guilt, intimidation, stress and negativity. Doctors take on many things and are expected to be on almost 24 hours a day. Just like a power bank can be a source of energy for other appliances, it too needs to be recharged. In this episode Silvia shares a few strategies for doctors to apply in order to recharge, relax and protect their well-being.

• Take time to take care of yourself before the day begins
• Protect your time and signal this to your colleagues 
• You are human first and fundamental needs should be met. One such need is to recharge

Silvia Liebaut is a hypnotherapist who helps her clients break through destructive habits. She offers individual and corporate coaching and hypnotherapy programs. 

Dr Claire Davies is a coach, general practitioner and writer. She lives in East London and has worked and lived in many different countries. She is passionate about connected communities and working with doctors who have had a wake up call from their health. She helps them live a life where they can thrive in again.

In this podcast I speak to Dr Corrigan.

He is a recovering psychiatrist who left medicine after burning out with concurrent depression and addiction. Dr Corrigan is also an overachiever who did his best for his patients. Had never heard of "Corrigan's Secret Doo"r until it was too late. Thankfully now in a way better place. He hopes to prevent future disasters through peer support, advocacy, policy change, and innovation. 

Dr Corrigan is the Co-founder of Physicians Anonymous. A platform that allows doctors to understand the language of emotions, speak about their emotions and space to sit, talk and think about what is it s like to do better for patients. 

You can find Dr Corrigan in the link below:

In this episode Psychologist, author and Doctor advocate Sharee Johnson tells us about what motivated her to do what she loves. She coaches doctors so that they can thrive and tells us how to actively listen to patients and feel present in their experience.

If you are a doctor who feels overwhelmed or lacks energy with the daily routine of clinical care, Sharee Johnson's book may offer you some solutions on how to overcome these feelings. She practices what she preaches and shares a personal story in her book the Thriving Doctor, and this journey sets the stage that brought us in contact.

To know more about her work, coaching programs and social media platform use the links below.

Theresa Straathof is an occupational therapist who teaches coping strategies so that people can return to doing meaningful activities. We talk about 4 coping skills including having a skeleton routine, tasks and goals, time to connect with oneself and changing your attitude. Theresa is also a keen skater and lives with her family in Ottowa.

If you suffer from any mental health issues please reach out to a support network and get the help you need.

Mirena Radulova is a psychologist and a mother who struggled with post partum depression. She shares her story in order to teach us about some of the early warning signs and what our support network and other professionals can do to offer help at this critical life event.

If you are going through any mental health issues please reach out to someone and contact a support network available near you.