Bedside Manners: A Compendium of Physician Relationships

by Rob Tenery, Leonard J. Morse

The 99 axioms described in Bedside Manners: A Compendium of Physician Relationships are reminders that the practice of medicine is not just about the science and the art, but physicians’ deportment as well. Morality is reasonably constant. Whereas, etiquette is behavior determined by social norms that are similar but clearly not the same. Physicians are bound to act on what is morally good. How they follow the precepts of proper etiquette may vary depending on their ability to cope and connect--- their bedside manner. The exploding science, a doubting public that often assesses blame on poor outcomes, the competitive business environment and increasing regulatory interventions, all test physicians’ dedication. Still remaining are time-tested precepts that serve as guideposts for physician interaction, not only with their patients and their peers, but also with all those that they develop a relationship.

62 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 4, 2014

About the author

Rob Tenery, MD, is an ophthalmologist who first began his writing career when he authored commentaries dealing with current events that were impacting the health care profession. His expertise acquired from representing medical organizations on a local, state and national level led him to become a monthly contributor to the nationally distributed periodical, American Medical News, from 1990–1998.

It was toward the end of his tenure when he decided to put to paper a more comprehensive look at the evolution of his chosen profession, resulting in the publication of his first book, Dr. Mayo’s Boy: A Century of American Medicine. He then followed with his second and third books, In Search of Medicine’s Moral Compass and Bedside Manners. Both chronicle the delivery of health care in this country from its inception and the increasingly complex evolution of those who deliver care as they act as advocates for their patients.

Marrying his high school sweetheart, Janet, was the impetus for his fourth book, Chasing the Ponytail. A coming-of-age love story, set in the 1950s and early 1960s, as they grew up together in Waxahachie, Texas, and in a relationship through their college years.

Having a keen interest in the uncertainty on the world stage, Dr. Tenery’s latest novel, Insurrection at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, combines his experience in medicine with political intrigue, resulting in a scenario this country could face in the near future.

Dr. Tenery is a health (HealthZette) and political (PoliZette) contributor to the Laura Ingraham-owned website, LifeZette.com. Rob and Janet have two children and four grandchildren. He continues to practice ophthalmology, while writing weekly posts for his blog, Diagnosis for Democracy: Insights into the State of Our Union, and is working on his next novel.