Duty, Empathy, and Hierarchy: Healing “Difficult Patients”

Abstract

Anthony is a fourth-year medical student, currently on service during an away surgery rotation. He is rounding with a first-year intern, Dr. Lovett, and the attending, Dr. Todd. They stop outside the room of Mr. Turpin, a 54-year-old male who has recently had a toe amputation due to uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. His chart lists him as a drug-seeker managed for chronic pain. As such, his analgesics are being closely monitored. Before entering the room, Dr. Lovett mentions that the patient had been irritated the night prior, complaining of uncontrolled pain, and upset at staff for refusing increased pain medication. Dr. Todd knows this, remarking that Mr. Turpin has a history of being a “difficult patient.”