Speaker Profile: Dr. Brian Goldman

The Kennedy Institute of Ethics at Georgetown University recently launched a new annual series called Conversations in Bioethics. The series brings together creative student work, distinguished speakers, and the broader campus community to explore a topic in bioethics and inspire leadership for change. National Speakers Bureau exclusive speaker Dr. Brian Goldman – Emergency Physician, Broadcaster and Medical Watchdog with a Passion for Compassion – had the honour of being named to the inaugural panel for this event.

“Do You Remember?”

Dr. Goldman offered up a medical providers perspective on medical error. Drawing from his early experience as a cardiology resident, he talks about some of the errors he’s made in his career, along with the subsequent learning experiences. The fear of being seen as a ‘high-maintenance resident’ was one of the root causes of those mistakes. Dr. Goldman gave a refreshing and candid discussion on errors from the doctors side of patient care. Dr. Goldman also gets into the complexity of technology, discussing the productivity pressure it puts on practitioners. Looking at the set processes occurring within healthcare facilities, Dr. Brian Goldman draws attention to the natural human tenancy to cut corners. Geography is key within the facility, often influencing how a patient is treated. He comes the conclusion that technology is a double-edge sword; yes it has the potential to improve treatment, but at the same time, the added pressures that come about due to the new outlook on productivity brings about an increased risk to patients.

“Doctors make mistakes. Can we talk about that?”

The fundamental problem noted by Dr. Goldman is the defensive side of mistakes. The medical community tends to shy away from discussing them, which results in those administering treatments having an added fear. They don’t want to be seen as the only one who make mistakes. Brian argues learning can’t occur without discussion.

Part Dr. Oz, Part Ralph Nader and All Patient Friendly

Dr. Goldman is a relatable speaker who makes complex medical issues digestible for audiences. He personalizes medicine and the human frailties of his profession. He discusses health care topics ranging from queue-jumping to confronting medical errors and dealing with them. He is not afraid to address tough or controversial issues head on in a comprehensive way. As you can gauge from this recent presentation, he is unafraid to use his own medical mistakes for examples on how doctors can improve. Watch the entirety of the panel discussion below:  

Upcoming Book Release

In his latest book, The Secret Language of Doctors, scheduled for release on May 20th,  Dr. Brian Goldman opens up on the clandestine phrases doctors use to describe patients, situations and even colleagues.  He tells us what it means for someone to suffer from incarceritis, what doctors mean when they block and turf, what the various codes mean, and why you never want to suffer a horrendoma. Highly accessible, biting, funny and entertaining, The Secret Language of Doctors reveals modern medical culture at its best and all too often at its worst.     For more information on Dr. Goldman visit his speaker profile.