Posted by Ensign Tauren (Doctor) in Dr. Tauren Checks-in with the CMO

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Pongo Bubbles (Chief Medical Officer) in Dr. Tauren Checks-in with the CMO

“First, I have noted that while my technical skills are satisfactory, I have received negative commentary regarding my bedside manner at times. Some of this may be simply due to the mild prejudice some people have regarding my people as being insufficiently empathic towards the pain of others, but I am concerned that some of it may in fact be legitimate. There is, for instance, conflicting data on the principle that a patient’s level of hope for recovery may improve outcomes, even when that hope is entirely illogical in its basis. Would you have any particular insight on that? Is it, in your opinion, unethical to give a strictly accurate prognosis to a patient whose prognosis is negative?”

He grabbed for his mug again before continuing. “And second, perhaps related, you have clearly achieved a level of success in this profession; being named a Chief Medical Officer on a Federation Starship is a fairly prestigious position, after all. Would you have any particular advice for a practitioner who is relatively early in his career?”

Pongo sipped his juice, and considered the questions, “Your second is easier to answer than your first. Volunteer, take questionable assignments. Explore your field, and share your works.” Pongo set his cup back, “Never be afraid to try something in a simulation. We are always learning new things because someon tried it once.” Pongo leaned back, “I can give you great reviews all day long, but its your visibility to others that will matter ultimately.”

Pongo looked at the plants, “Did you know that plants grow better ina peaceful environment, than if you yell at them everyday?” Pongo asked, but held his hand up to show didn’t want an answer yet, “The same is with our patients, I will never condone lying to a patient, butleaving them with any hope we can find is better that despair, despndence, and depression. Cancer patients that accept there is no hope on average die 50% sooner than those that fight tooth and nail because they have hope. That makes it worth finding hope to give them”

LtCmdr Pongo Bubbles, MD, CMO

Tauren’s eyebrow arched at the idea that plants could be affected by the volume of speech. He wondered very briefly what that said about the relative health of plants from a planet like Vulcan - largely desert, and one such as Qo’Nos, which he understood to be home to several rainforests. That might be an interesting experiment, it may be the case that the emotional content of the words was irrelevant but the volume was not? He was already designing the experiment in his head, when he realized, that Pongo had stopped speaking.

“Your suggestions are logical,” he complimented. “I was unaware of the idea that plants can be so affected, but I am aware of research that backs up the suggestion with humanoids. There is even one rather controversial study that appears to establish a very small but statistically relevant connection among Vulcans in similar situations. There is significant dispute as to whether the methodology was proper, however.”

Pongo shrugged, “If it gives me patient 1% better chance of survival, it is worth it. As for Proper, well that differs from perspective to perspective. Even the Vulcans acknowledge that, even when they believe the rest of us have the wrong perspective. As for the plants, the study I am referencing, took two plants in the same environmental situation, one was only subjected to calm music, and tranquil sounds. Whereas plant 2 was insulted and screamed at daily, it was actually to show the effects of bullying on humanoids as a PSA, but had interesting results.” Pongo concluded.

LtCmdr Pongo Bubbles, MD, CMO