Many readers know I’m merciless, brutal even, regarding issues of competence and the relationship between diligent care and outcomes. Mistakes can happen. Good physicians remember the names of every patient who suffered an adverse event while in their care. It’s a sign of conscience.

One such example is Dr. Gary Brandeland. His patient’s death wasn’t his fault. Yet it sent him into a tailspin from which many of us might not have recovered. You can read his story HERE. It’s a moving testament to the kind of caring to which every physician should aspire. Dr. Brandeland is an inspiration.

It’s OK to ask you physician about patient deaths. It’s OK to ask if they cry or the effect it had on him/her. It’s your health. Your physician should care as much as you do.