I’m not an InstaDoc, and this isn’t InstaMedicine

Doctors are getting caught up in the era of instant fulfillment, but medicine's value comes from it being a contemplative pursuit
Dr Hans Duvefelt
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The other day a patient called every hour to inquire about the status of her elective cardiology referral.

She had been thoroughly evaluated twice at the hospital for chest pain and wanted a consultation.

Another patient called three times the same day because she had seen “Ambulance Chaser” legal firm advertisements about lawsuits against manufacturers of generic valsartan, which may have traces of Chinese cancer causing chemicals.

It has been said that new medical information takes 17 years to alter the way we practice medicine. Contrast that with the immediacy of today’s electronic media…