[Rohag]

This week I had a regular appointment with my US Veterans Affairs (VA) pdoc. We have a good relationship, and he made interesting comments bordering on a rant against "the system."

I asked about the newly released DSM-5. (PsychCentral DSM-5 Resource Guide) He said, "I don't know about the DSM-5. I DON'T WANT to know about the DSM-5." He is disheartened by what he perceives as undue political influence exerted on it, particularly by non-medical factions.

He then told me about a recent email sent out to the mental health clinicians by the leadership of the VA medical center. I paraphrase:

The leadership says that giving "boutique care" – what I'm giving you – is selfish on my part, on the part of me the doctor. Yes, it's "selfish" for me to give more time to a patient. They say the most compassionate [?] care is the most efficient care: look at the chart/notes, labs, meds and be done with the appointment in 15 minutes. They say, "You doctors have to think of all the other veterans who are waiting to see you."

I personally think this is double-speak: the supervisors equate selfishness with taking the time needed for an effective appointments [and compassion with seeing as many patients as possible in limited time].

I appreciate the care I've received from this particular pdoc over the years and am grateful for his insights into the difficulties and distractions imposed by a medical bureaucracy.

[anneo59]

Originally Posted by Rohag

This week I had a regular appointment with my US Veterans Affairs (VA) pdoc. We have a good relationship, and he made interesting comments bordering on a rant against "the system."

I asked about the newly released DSM-5. (PsychCentral DSM-5 Resource Guide) He said, "I don't know about the DSM-5. I DON'T WANT to know about the DSM-5." He is disheartened by what he perceives as undue political influence exerted on it, particularly by non-medical factions.

He then told me about a recent email sent out to the mental health clinicians by the leadership of the VA medical center. I paraphrase:I appreciate the care I've received from this particular pdoc over the years, and grateful for his insights into the difficulties and distractions imposed by a medical bureaucracy.

recently heard similar comments from VA and a civ P-doc. Basically saying same things as what you mentioned! Not a surprise to me, either.

[Sometimes psychotic]

Originally Posted by Rohag

This week I had a regular appointment with my US Veterans Affairs (VA) pdoc. We have a good relationship, and he made interesting comments bordering on a rant against "the system."

I asked about the newly released DSM-5. (PsychCentral DSM-5 Resource Guide) He said, "I don't know about the DSM-5. I DON'T WANT to know about the DSM-5." He is disheartened by what he perceives as undue political influence exerted on it, particularly by non-medical factions.

He then told me about a recent email sent out to the mental health clinicians by the leadership of the VA medical center. I paraphrase:I appreciate the care I've received from this particular pdoc over the years and am grateful for his insights into the difficulties and distractions imposed by a medical bureaucracy.

Your pdoc sounds cool, mine previously made a comment that the dsm is just a book some guy wrote so I don't think he likes it much either.

[tinyrabbit]

Your pdoc sounds awesome.

[WikidPissah]

(((Rohag))). Always good to "see" you!

My pdoc rants about the system too.

[likelife]

Sounds like a very wise pdoc.