Thursday, July 1, 2010

Damnit, Jim, I'm a neurologist, NOT a marriage counselor

Mrs. Patient: "You can be so difficult."

Mr. Patient: "I'm difficult? Your first husband died at 48 of a heart attack."

Mrs. Patient: "I didn't have anything to do with that."

Mr. Patient: "No. You only stressed him to death."

Mrs. Patient: "Bullshit. Your first wife committed suicide. That says something about you."

Mr. Patient: "Don't give me any ideas."

8 comments:

Samuel Johnson said...

"A second marriage is the triumph of hope over experience."

Captain Foulenough said...

As always,the commentariat is here for you, Dr G., with practical ways to enhance your revenue stream.

1. Use all this material to write and produce a reality show called "Patients Behaving Badly." TLC would probably pick it up. Hell, even Discovery, now that they've decided Palin should have a show.

2. Get hooked up with 2 local divorce attorneys. Keep their business cards prominently displayed in lobby and exam room. Negotiate a flat fee per referral.

lbparker said...

I feel for you, Doc. How do you stop these conversations before they go nuclear?

Gen said...

I always find it odd that you have spouses coming in with patients. I guess I am extremely private. My husband never even accompanied me on any of my prenatal visits. I don't need someone with me in the room.

You should have a no spouse policy.

Anonymous said...

it is very important to acknowledge, meet, talk to, and document those who accompany a patient to a visit. a spouse is usually ideal.

Suzanne said...

I love your posts about spouses and their conversations.

Cara said...

How uncomfortable. I'd charge them extra for that little display, especially if I had to step-in to get the focus back on the actual visit itself :P

ERP said...

Ativan all around!!!

 
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