May 27, 2021
“I went into oncology because I was fascinated by the human side
of cancer,” says Dr. Eisenberg. This motivation gives him a unique
focus while struggling alongside his patients searching for a
cancer cure. He talks about not leaving his patients’ humanity
out of the picture of
cancer cells, and how that ultimately provides an effective
medicine.
Listen and learn
- How he sets the tone at his first patient meeting and what measures he takes to keep that connection during treatment,
- Why doctors are facing burnout and how keeping empathy and connection front and center can speak to that struggle,
- Why patient engagement and physician enrollment are vital, and
- How the mind-body connection can be an ally for a physician and patient.
Oncologist Dr. Steven G. Eisenberg is the author of the new book
Love is the Strongest Medicine. He shares the impetus behind
the book, including stories of patient interactions and his own
burnout and cancer diagnosis that propelled him to a healthier way
to be with his patients.
He emphasizes the importance of eye contact and dialogue,
especially when patients are facing a diagnosis of cancer and
negative emotions that accompany it. He says, “You've got to share
your true self, your highest self with that human being that’s
suffering in front of you. . . . You refuel your compassion stores,
when you break down the wall between doctor and patient.”
He’s also treating and helping doctors with what he says is some
of the worst burnout numbers we’ve seen. The pressures of success,
the tangle of paperwork, and the fear-draining emotions combine to
make it a hard atmosphere for doctors. He’s actually starting a
support group called Doctors without Burnout to speak to this trend
and help doctors find their motivation again.
His approach is about finding the humanity in both the patient and
doctor. When interacting with patients, he says, “Well, if I could
make someone smile, if I could make them feel a little bit better,
even 1% better than they did before they walked in that office that
day,” then he’s practiced an important part of medicine.
Listen in for more inspiration.
Episode also available on Apple
Podcasts: apple.co/30PvU9C