Laughing at patients is totally unacceptable

Dear Bloggers

This is a short by very important blog today.

It is totally unacceptable to laugh at patients. Sometimes patients act unusually, as they may say and/or do unusual things. Much of the time it is out of character for them. They may be suffering from a brief organic disorder such as a electrolyte disturbance, encephalopathy, or even in the post-ictal period of a seizure. They may have more chronic disorders such as dementia, a personality disorder or suffering from a psychosis. Even if what we deem as unusual characteristics are a part of their ‘normal’ character, as a physician we need to be understanding, and appreciate the elements of what we are observing in order to potentially help the patient. That is not to say that we should not show empathy and caring. We should! That is part of the caring process as a physician and as a fellow human being.

But, when patients are confused or acting in a strange way, it is totally wrong to laugh at them. I cannot even muster a humorous emotion when considering patients. It is just not right. My moral compass will not permit it. We as physicians, are not on a high pedestal that gives us the right to act in a superior paternalistic way. It is not a matter of us and them.

We hopefully have a better understanding of the anatomy, biochemistry, pathophysiology, pharmacology and so on, to allow us to evaluate why the patient is acting the way that they do. But, we are people in a unique position of trust. As the saying goes “With great power comes great responsibility.” Without demonstrating that we, as physicians, can be the guardians of the patient’s medical, emotional and spiritual matters at a time that they are most vulnerable, then we do not deserve the title of doctor.

I have seen all too many times doctors laughing at patients, especially when the doctors are in groups, perhaps feeling that there is safety in numbers. I do not know why. To me, it shows a total lack of professionalism and common sense. But, what is the cause for such behavior? Is it too much societal degradation in terms of morality and that it is somehow okay to laugh at the person less fortunate than ourselves? I simply do not know. It is something that eats away at me. To see doctors laughing at patients, the latter who are in need of the greatest of help, actually sickness me to the stomach. I do not hold back from voicing my opinion on such rude manners shown by my fellow colleagues.

I hope whoever is reading will heed me words and give great consideration to their patients. Doctors should consider how they wish to be seen as physicians in the eyes of their patients and their fellow colleagues.

As Charlie Chaplin said “My pain may be the reason for sombody’s laugh. But my laugh must never be the reason for somebody’s pain.”

By all means, if a patient makes a cracking joke, laugh along. But just do not laugh at them when they need you as a doctor.

Have a good day.