Don't Just Do Something, Stand There

Don't just do something, stand there!

Physicians are under tremendous pressure to act, especially in emergencies. ‘Don’t just stand there, do something! After all, you’re a doctor!’, is a common admonition. Nevertheless, oftentimes the best action is inaction. ‘Watchful waiting’ is the term used for this strategy. Physicians should be familiar with clinical tools to decide which of both strategies is appropriate in a given situatio...

Don’t Just Do Something, Stand There?

As electrophysiologists we confront the challenge of articulating the risks and benefits of various management options to our patients and their families. Weighing the upfront risk typically associated with an interventional procedure against potential adverse events in the long term is a vexing problem that we frequently face in clinical practice. This discussion involves both the immediate ri...

Don't Just Do Something, Stand There!

Forty two years I've been in the ministry. Seen a lot of things. Do you know what I've noticed? Christianity is trendy. Especially in this country where everyone follows the winds of change to exploit change. Here is what I've noted. 1. Crusades and mass meetings: These were in the 50's and 60's. (Before me, mind you.) Billy Graham made them famous but this was the American means of educational...

Don’t Just Do Something, Stand There?

As electrophysiologists we confront the challenge of articulating the risks and benefits of various management options to our patients and their families. Weighing the upfront risk typically associated with an interventional procedure against potential adverse events in the long term is a vexing problem that we frequently face in clinical practice. This discussion involves both the immediate ri...

Don't just stand there. Say something!