Should Doctors Talk Politics With Their Patients

Lunch and Learn with Dr. Berry

So, let’s talk about the importance of doctors talking about politics with their patients…

If you’ve been following me, especially on social media, you’ll know that there’s typically no topic that I run away from, especially when I know that it affects my patients.

And you best believe that politics has always been one.

Because I know—and there’s so much history to show—that decisions made in politics affect the patients I’m taking care of right now, not only for today but for the decades to come.

That’s why it blows my mind when a physician says “Politics is not my thing”, especially while speaking to a patient.

As physicians, there's so much power in our expertise that can help empower people to make informed decisions that can curve the connection between politics and healthcare into a more positive path.

While I understand that some physicians avoid politics due to fear of conflict, in this episode, I'll discuss why it's important that doctors do not shy away from political discussions nor act apolitical in front of their patients.

Just like what the model says—empower yourself for better health. As the election period comes close, let us understand the possible implications of the choices we're going to make.

Why you need to check this episode:

• Recognize the role physicians play in empowering people to make informed decisions, especially those concerning their health;
• Discover why some doctors avoid political discussions;
• Understand how politics affect patients and the overall system of healthcare; and
• Find out why an open dialogue about politics is a discussion important for doctors and patients to have.

“I’m not asking you to learn every single bit of platform a candidate may have, but I am asking you to figure out from a health care perspective… ‘how does this help me?’ From a health care perspective, ‘how does this hurt me?’… ‘How does it help my patient?’… ‘How does it hurt my patient?’ You should know that. Like, if you don’t know anything else, you should know that.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

Notable Quotes:

“Politics has always been one that I know that I have to be aware of, because I know that decisions that are made outside of my walls can directly affect the patients I’m taking care of in front of me.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

“I believe if medical schools trained you for it, if medical schools said, ‘We need you guys to be a little bit more politically involved and understand how the politics around you can have direct and indirect effects on the patient you have to take care of, I’m pretty sure you’d have a new school of doctors who are okay doing it.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

“You can’t act apolitical.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

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