Musings

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.

  1. Retractions of any kind are just one thing – BAD
  2. Just remember, your patient didn’t read the textbook.
  3. There is Registry and then there is Reality.
  4. You bag groceries and ventilate patients.
  5. Examine thoroughly, so you can anticipate and treat properly.
  6. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
  7. Always be prepared because Murphy is always watching.
  8. You can’t count respirations, but you can count ventilations.
  9. When faced with an obstacle, focus and work the problem.
  10. Physiology is how the body works, pathophysiology is how it’s busted. You must have a working knowledge of both.
  11. Every willing student can learn, s/he just won’t learn the same way as their peers.
  12. The best educators are flexible and can diversify their delivery of information.
  13. There is no substitute for a positive, encouraging, and understanding mentor.
  14. Teachers make the slides; Instructors read the slides; Educators don’t need the slides.
  15. 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?