ER Doctor Interview

I interviewed an ER doctor by the name of Danny Terrigno. Danny is the head of ER at the South Jersey Medical Center, a new hospital in Vineland, NJ. When asked what type of communication is most important in his field of practice, he said "the interaction between the patient and the doctor is vital. If you don't know what a patient is feeling or where the pain is, then it is sometimes very hard to treat them." He went on to explain how his ability to speak three different languages plays an important part in his ability to communicate with people. He speaks Italian, Spanish and English. He also explained that making sure the nurses and other doctors understand what he says is also imperative to the profession and could make the difference between life and death.

Accurate charts and sharp nurses is also a vital part of communicating in the ER. When asked whether there are ever times when communication is more harmful, he explained; "Sometimes the patient thinks they know more than they do and jump to conclusions about certain things concerning symptoms and health problems." He said that this can often make things frustrating, yet it is necessary part of being a doctor.

When asked what kinds of preparation would be beneficial to a person just beginning in the field, he explained that learning a second language has many benefits and can often help with promotions and overall succuess. Being able to interact with people in a personal manner will also help with future success. He emphasized being able to make a person smile and treating them like a person, not a patient number. "This business is one of communicating."