What the Mirror Sees

Abstract

Most radiologists in the United States are aware of the magnificent job which the American College of Radiology is doing in the field of public relations. This is due to the hard work of many dedicated individuals, including officers, commission members, and executive staff of the College. In addition to this organized activity at the top, however, it has been pointed out repeatedly that every single member of the College has the responsibility and privilege of carrying on this program of good public relations, constantly in his daily practice. In the conduct of his personal and professional life, each radiologist influences the opinions of two groups: the public and other doctors. The public relations requirements for these two groups differ. One should, of course, be a gentleman and live by Christian standards. But it does no good to be a “doctors' doctor” if patients don't like you; and the best “bedside manner” will not help if the referring physicians distrust your skill and judgment. One portion of our public relations problem was presented in a fascinating way at the meeting of the American College of Radiology in New Orleans in February 1960. The speaker, following the annual Teachers' Conference luncheon, was John S. DeTar, M.D., of Milan, Michigan. He is a Past President (and one of the organizers) of the American Academy of General Practice, Past President of the Michigan Health Council, board member of the Michigan Medical Service (Blue Shield), and delegate to the House of Delegates of the American Medical Association. He is a fluent, dynamic speaker with a sense of humor. His topic was “What the Generalist Thinks of the Radiologist.” Dr. DeTar's remarks were based on answers to a questionnaire which he sent to fifty eminent physicians in general practice, one in each of our fifty states. The entire paper has been published by the College in its Proceedings of the Annual Conference of Teachers of Radiology (Am. Coll. Radiol. Bull. 16: 1–4, October 1960) and should be read carefully by every practicing radiologist. However, some of his conclusions can be considered here. The fifty general practitioners responding to the questionnaire feel that the great majority of radiologists with whom they come in contact merit great respect from referring physicians, particularly because of professional competence. The “general-ists” believe that “their” radiologists are sympathetic with the problems of the family doctor and act in the capacity of true consultants. These same family doctors, however, think that many radiologists are not sufficiently concerned with patients as people; and that a greater measure of human interest would rectify some of the radiologist's shortcomings in dealing with the public. The “generalists” suggest that teachers of radiology, by emphasis on the human and personal interest aspects of medical care, could alter to a large degree the attitude of practicing radiologists in a constructive manner.