How to Survive and Interpret Attending Physicians’ Comments

The Hidden Meaning Behind Attending Physicians’ Feedback

1. "Interesting approach..." (Translation: "What on earth were you thinking?")

• This phrase is the attending’s polite way of telling you that your clinical reasoning is, at best, unconventional and, at worst, completely absurd.
  
  
• If you hear this after presenting your differential diagnosis, brace yourself for a Socratic-style grilling.
  
  
• The correct response? "I’d love to hear your insights on how I could improve my approach!" (Translation: "Please don’t fail me.")
  

2. "That’s an… option." (Translation: "It’s a bad option, but technically still an option.")

• Used when you suggest a treatment plan that is not outright malpractice but is far from the ideal choice.
  
  
• Often followed by a long pause, giving you the chance to realize your mistake before they correct you.
  
  
• If you hear this, it’s best to quickly pivot and say, "But I’d love to hear your thoughts on a better approach."
  

3. "Walk me through your thinking." (Translation: "Convince me you have some logic behind this.")

• This is a test. They’re hoping you have a legitimate reason for your decision-making.
  
  
• If you can articulate a rational thought process, you might survive this encounter with dignity.
  
  
• If your brain goes blank, just start with, "Given the patient’s presentation, I considered a broad differential and prioritized based on likelihood and severity…"
  

4. "Let’s take a step back." (Translation: "You’re way off track, and I need to save you from yourself.")

• This means you’ve gone too deep into a rabbit hole and need to reassess the basics.
  
  
• Typically heard after you’ve overcomplicated a case by considering a rare zebrafish disease instead of the obvious, common diagnosis.
  
  
• When you hear this, smile, nod, and say, "You’re right. Let’s reassess from the beginning."
  

5. "I see where you’re coming from." (Translation: "I don’t agree with you, but I appreciate the effort.")

• This is the attending’s way of acknowledging that you have a point, even if it’s a terrible one.
  
  
• It’s a softer way of saying, "Nice try, but no."
  
  
• Take it as a learning opportunity and follow up with, "What would be a more effective approach?"
  

6. "You’re not wrong." (Translation: "You’re not right either.")

• This phrase is the ultimate neutral response, often used when your answer is technically correct but lacks clinical significance or depth.
  
  
• It means your response didn’t warrant immediate correction, but they’re not exactly impressed either.
  
  
• Use this as a cue to refine your answer: "Would you say a different approach might be more effective?"
  

7. "That’s a bold choice." (Translation: "You’re either a genius or an absolute disaster.")

• If you hear this, you’ve likely suggested something unconventional.
  
  
• This phrase is used when the attending is unsure if you’re a visionary or if you completely misunderstood the case.
  
  
• Tread carefully—if their eyebrows are raised, it’s time to reconsider your plan.
  

8. "This is a great learning opportunity." (Translation: "You just made a mistake, but I’m going to be nice about it.")

• If you hear this after a clinical misstep, congratulations—you just became a teaching case.
  
  
• Attending physicians love using real-life examples to teach, and unfortunately, you are now that example.
  
  
• The best way to handle this is to nod and respond with, "I appreciate the feedback and will incorporate it moving forward."
  

9. "I’ll let you figure this one out." (Translation: "You’re on your own, but I’ll be judging you silently.")

• This is a test of your ability to think independently under pressure.
  
  
• Don’t panic—take a deep breath and walk through the case systematically.
  
  
• If you truly don’t know, ask for guidance rather than guessing wildly.
  

10. "Good effort." (Translation: "Nice try, but no.")

• This is usually paired with a sympathetic nod, meaning your answer was close but ultimately incorrect.
  
  
• The key here is to accept the feedback with grace: "Thank you. I’ll make sure to review this further."
  

11. "Do you want to try that again?" (Translation: "I’m giving you a chance to redeem yourself before I roast you.")

• This is your last chance to fix your mistake before the attending goes into full-on lecture mode.
  
  
• Take the hint, pause, and try again with a different (and hopefully better) answer.
  

12. "What would you do next?" (Translation: "Let’s see if you can dig yourself out of this hole.")

• If they say this after your answer, it means they’re still unconvinced.
  
  
• Use this as an opportunity to refine your thought process and demonstrate adaptive thinking.
  
  
• If you’re unsure, say, "I would consider additional workup and consult a senior for guidance."
  

13. "You’re getting there." (Translation: "You are very much not there yet, but I admire your persistence.")

• This is meant to encourage you while subtly reminding you that your answer is incomplete.
  
  
• Take the hint and refine your response.
  

14. "Let’s review this together." (Translation: "You need help, but I won’t say it outright.")

• A polite way for the attending to say that your approach is flawed and they need to guide you step by step.
  
  
• Stay open to their teaching and avoid defensiveness.
  

15. "You’ll get the hang of it." (Translation: "You’re struggling, but we all did at some point.")

• This is a reassurance that everyone starts somewhere.
  
  
• Use this as motivation to keep improving and refining your clinical skills.