Does My Doctor's Bedside Manner Matter?

What is bedside manner? In healthcare as this relates to your doctor, bedside manner refers to how he or she interacts with you - the communication, the attentiontion to detail, and the overall demeaner. Some of us may believe that bedside manner is not important, and that what truly matters in the end is a doctor who is highly experienced and skilled at their craft. However, a doctor who is skilled AND compassionate, open to learning more about how the patient is faring, and who is curious about the whole-person experience may offer a higher standard of care than a skilled doctor with poor bedside manner. Listen on to learn more about how both your physical and emotional health will benefit from a healthcare provider who is compassionate, caring and who has a great bedside manner. Furthermore, a doctor who is truly compassionate and caring will view having exceptional clinical and surgical skills as a given.  Welcome to Finding Your Way with Ocular Melanoma, a guide to understanding everything there is to know about your experience with this rare cancer. Learn through the lens of my knowledge and clinical experience as a physician expert and passionate patient advocate. The more you know about ocular melanoma, the better you will do, and the better you will live. Let's go! The content shared on the Finding Your Way with Ocular Melanoma podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided must not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. As a listener, you are responsible for your own health-related decisions and must consider consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice.  Tara McCannel MD PhD is a an ocular oncologist, vitreoretinal surgeon and co-founder of Seyhart Wellness. She is also the host of the Mind Body MD podcast where she shares her passion for holistic health and wellness.