Dr. Michael Litrel on Why He a Pelvic Reconstructive & Cosmetic Surgeon - Part 3

Guiding Principles

My philosophy as a doctor is the mother principle—in that you treat all your patients the same, and always keep in mind how you would want your mother, wife or other loved one to be treated. If your mother is on that operating table, you’d want the surgeon operating on her to bring his A game. For me, an A game is not just about being in one place and doing well, it’s about availability, continuous improvement, compassion, learning the latest technology and methods, follow- up, etc. so I’m giving my patients the best possible care and aftercare.

The Doctor/Patient Relationship

Apart from the mother principle, the patient’s attitude tends to guide me. My principle is that I do my very best and I’m as honest as I can be. I try to do it in a way where people can be receptive. Sometimes it works very well and other times, well, not so much. Physician-patient compatibility is very important.

For example, I recently had a patient with life-threatening blood pressure issues, and she really didn’t want to hear anything I had to say. She was being completely non-compliant by not taking her prescribed medication to combat dangerously high blood pressure readings. She became impatient, even angry with me, changing the subject to something else each time I tried to discuss the severity of her situation and the importance of following my recommendations.

On the other hand, another patient reached out to me in desperation. She described how her son was heavily into drugs and how her father was seriously ill. The situation was causing devastation to her, both mentally and physically. Apart from understandable emotional turmoil, she was compensating for the difficulty in her life by overeating and was rapidly gaining weight.

I listened to her because I truly sympathize and care about the struggles she’s going through. I gave her the best advice I possibly could. It was clear that she was receptive to everything I was telling her and would follow my advice.

The non-compliant patient made me realize that our doctor/patient relationship was a mismatch and was going nowhere. I knew I would probably decide not to see her again, and I’m okay with that. My heart is telling me that she would be-or should be-better off with another doctor, and I’m okay with that too.

However, the troubled mother was appreciative of the help I was trying to give her. I knew that, unlike my other patients, or those that I see over the years for just an annual exam, she would remain in the forefront of my thoughts. I would remember her son’s name, follow up with her regularly, stay in touch, and even pray for her because I’m genuinely concerned. I don’t doubt she truly wants my help. I can only help those people who want to accept my advice and, in turn, help themselves.

Read the rest of this interview.

Read part two of Dr. Litrel's interview.

Read the first part of this interview.