Nasruddin and the Coin

Annals Journal Club:

May/Jun 2011

A Patient-Physician Journey

How it Works

In each issue, the Annals selects an article or articles and provides discussion tips and questions. We encourage you to take a RADICAL approach to these materials and to post a summary of your conversation in our online discussion. (Open the article online and click on "TRACK Comments: Submit a response.") You can find discussion questions and more information online at: http://www.AnnFamMed.org/AJC/.

CURRENT SELECTION

Article for Discussion

• de Schweinitz P. Nasruddin and the coin. Ann Fam Med. 2011;9(3):268-270.

Discussion Tips

Discussion Questions

• What topics are addressed by the article? How do the questions fit with what you have been taught about caring for patients?
• How does the author convince you of the truthfulness of his story? Of the patient�s story? What doubts do you have?
• What are your reflections on the patient�s biomedical management?
• What techniques does the author/doctor use to develop a healing relationship?^2-4
• How does the resident go about nurturing his professional development through caring for this patient?
• What options do you have for similarly fostering your professional development as a healer?^5-8
• What insights are brought out by the weaving of the threads of patient and physician experience (together and separately) over time?
• What other threads do you see woven into this story?
• Do you have patients similar to Magdalena in your practice? In what ways have you experienced patients who are similar or different?
• Have you ever kept a journal? Have you ever suggested that a patient keep a journal? What effects did you see?
• What are some next steps for applying your reflections, questions, and insights in your practice? In your life?

References

1. Stange KC, Miller WL, McLellan LA, et al. Annals journal club: It�s time to get RADICAL. Ann Fam Med. 2006;4(3):196-197. http://annfammed.org/cgi/content/full/4/3/196.
2. Egnew TR. The meaning of healing: transcending suffering. Ann Fam Med. 2005;3(3):255-262.
3. Egnew TR. Suffering, meaning, and healing: challenges of contemporary medicine. Ann Fam Med. 2009;7(2):170-175.
4. Scott JG, Cohen D, Dicicco-Bloom B, Miller WL, Stange KC, Crabtree BF. Understanding healing relationships in primary care. Ann Fam Med. 2008;6(4):315-322.
5. Loxterkamp D. A change will do you good. Ann Fam Med. 2009;7(3):261-263.
6. Kjeldmand D, Holmström I. Balint groups as a means to increase job satisfaction and prevent burnout among general practitioners. Ann Fam Med. 2008;6(2):138-145.
7. Gotler R. Annals Journal Club: Balint groups and 'the joy of being a doctor.' Ann Fam Med. 2008;6(2):iii.
8. Soubhi H, Bayliss EA, Fortin M, et al. Learning and caring in communities of practice: using relationships and collective learning to improve primary care for patients with multimorbidity. Ann Fam Med. 2010;8(2):170-177.