Over my 20 + years of teaching, I’ve come to adopt certain concepts and mantras that hold true through the test of time. Here are some of my favorites.
- Retractions of any kind are just one thing – BAD
- Just remember, your patient didn’t read the textbook.
- There is Registry and then there is Reality.
- You bag groceries and ventilate patients.
- Examine thoroughly, so you can anticipate and treat properly.
- Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
- Always be prepared because Murphy is always watching.
- You can’t count respirations, but you can count ventilations.
- When faced with an obstacle, focus and work the problem.
- Physiology is how the body works, pathophysiology is how it’s busted. You must have a working knowledge of both.
- Every willing student can learn, s/he just won’t learn the same way as their peers.
- The best educators are flexible and can diversify their delivery of information.
- There is no substitute for a positive, encouraging, and understanding mentor.
- Teachers make the slides; Instructors read the slides; Educators don’t need the slides.
- When a student mentions the “Q” word during a clinical rotation, preceptors cringe.
What are some of your guiding principles that have stuck with you throughout your career?