One Dozen Things

The Health Care Team

Overview

In the United States, medicine is practiced in a team environment. Although in most cases the physician is the head of the team, you will need to understand, respect, and effectively utilize the skills offered by other health care team members. These team members include nursing staff, social workers, physical therapists, chaplains, and other professionals. A team approach is particularly important in the care of very ill patients in the hospital. Diagnostic and treatment plans should incorporate input from all team members, each of whom should be comfortable questioning decisions and suggesting alternatives. The effective physician actively solicits input from team members and encourages an integrated team approach. Suggestions for alternative treatment plans are not a threat to the physician’s authority, but rather a normal function of each medical team member.

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