How to deal with dramatic doctors

Imagine your first case of the day in the OR. The case is already 10 minutes past the start time. The patient is still in the preop holding area because the anesthesiologist can't find pre-op test results and the consent form has not been properly signed.

The surgeon starts blaming the system and the people in it, shouting, "Why can't we ever get the planes to take off on time around here?"

Your day has begun with a drama doctor in the starring role.

We all know at least one drama doctor, or someone who seems to respond to every minor inconvenience like the world is ending. You can encounter drama doctors at work, school, or in your social circle. It's important to deal with a drama doctor appropriately so you don't get sucked into their drama.

But how, given the power imbalances in the OR?

1. The saying is praise in public and punish in private. But there are exceptions to every rule.

2. Practice radical candor

3. Be careful reporting someone as a "disruptive physician".

The former chief of cardiology at Trinity Health Muskegon (Mich.) Hospital accused the hospital of firing him for reporting alleged unnecessary surgeries, according to court documents.

Daniel West, MD, worked as a cardiologist for Trinity Health Medical Group for 35 years, according to the lawsuit, which was filed Nov. 19. Dr. West was suspended "without due process and in violation of multiple policies" in late October, according to the lawsuit.

4. Answer the question or engage the drama doctor to help do something to solve the problem. This has probably not been your first rodeo.

5. Turn down the volume. Treat the drama doctor as you would an unhappy customer.

6. Use your phone to take a video of their temper tantrum if you decide to file a complaint

7. Be empathic. Is the behavior a manifestation of burnout of some other behavioral disorder?

Because burnout victims often feel like a failure and experience a lot of guilt, it's not uncommon for these feelings to turn into anger and resentment as the stress continues, and you feel as if you have no control over it. At first, the anger may take the form of interpersonal tension with colleagues, family, or friends. As burnout becomes more severe, the anger may intensify and result in angry outbursts and serious arguments at home and in the workplace. You may have thoughts of violence toward coworkers or family, and at its most extreme, this may cross the line into actual violence.

When the anger gets to the point where you start thinking of hurting someone else, or you cross the line and actually get into a physical altercation, seek professional assistance immediately to prevent anyone from getting hurt, including you.

In this large, cross-sectional study, poor control over specific aspects of work was associated with burnout and intentions to reduce clinical effort or leave one’s organization. Efforts to reduce burnout and improve retention should consider how to provide physician control over appropriate aspects of their clinical work environment.

8. Maybe you are just dealing with Dr. Asshole.

9. Do what you can to solve the immediate problem. "I'll go see what's going on".

10. Remember what if felt like when you heard the pilot of your flight announce that the departure will be delayed because "we have a cockpit light issue, and it will take a while to get it fixed and complete the paperwork".

Be serious but don't take it seriously.

Telling truth to authority is never easy or risk-free. Taking it one step further and snitching on your boss, company or colleague takes it to another level. We're talking about the 60 Minutes level.

Drama doctors are common. Doctors are trained to control their emotions during crisis situations. Most will take the inefficiencies of the sick, sick care system of systems in stride just to survive the day. Others will just find something else to do.

Losing it during a meeting that should not have been scheduled in the first place or as part of your startup team is another story.

Arlen Meyers, MD, MBA is the President and CEO of the Society of Physician Entrepreneurs on Substack