ROTHENBURGER – How the pandemic has changed the way we do medicine

I HAD AN APPOINTMENT with my doctor this week. He was in his office in Vancouver; I was in my house. We met on Facetime.

Actually, I have several doctors. My nurse practitioner takes care of the basics and whenever she thinks we should look into something in more detail, she refers me to a specialist. It’s a great system.

During the pandemic, it’s gotten even better as doctors have done more and more consultations by phone or teleconference. Unless you actually need a physical examination, there’s no point in driving to a doctor’s office or a clinic.

Discussing test results or renewing prescriptions, for example, can just as easily be done by phone and is tons more efficient. The healthcare giver saves time and can talk to a lot more patients in a day at a much more leisurely pace. The patient also saves time, and gets more attention from the doc.

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Mel Rothenburger is a former mayor of Kamloops, former school board chair, former editor of The Kamloops Daily News, and a current director on the Thompson-Nicola Regional District board. He was awarded the Jack Webster Foundation’s lifetime achievement award in 2011 and was a 2019 Commentator of the Year finalist in the Webster Awards. His editorials are published Monday through Thursdays, and Saturdays on CFJC Today, CFJC Midday and CFJC Evening News. Contact him at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.