We have all heard it before. Before the end of the visit, the doctor will usually ask, “Do you have any questions?” That is usually the precise moment that my mind goes completely blank. Every question I can think of seems silly or embarrassing. I know the doctor is busy so I don’t want to “bother” him/her by taking up too much of their time. I really do not want to look stupid or ignorant. So, I say nothing, smile and the doctor leaves the room shortly afterwards. As soon as that door closes, the flood gates open and all the questions I should have asked bubble to the surface. Now it feels too late to ask them. Sound familiar?
As we begin our next season of On Call with the Prairie Doc, I encourage all our viewers to come to us with those questions. This show is unique because we ask our audience to engage with the show. We do not want you to just be passive consumers of the knowledge. We want you to be co-creators of the show with us. While we will never replace your primary care physician, we want to answer the questions that you did ask during your last clinic visit. Since you can submit questions anonymously, ask that question you were too embarrassed to ask. Use this show to fact check that health information you saw on social media or heard someone talk about at the local café.
We work hard to find the local experts for each show who can share with us their expertise. At the end of each season, we review our shows and look at what questions were asked. We see how many questions were answered for each show and what topics resonated the most with our viewers. We try to determine what topics you want to hear more about. We also look for emerging topics so you have up to date health information that is based in science and built on trust.
The hardest part of planning this show is narrowing down all the topics we want to discuss with you to fit within our season. This is why we will have several “Ask Anything” shows each season. These shows ensure that you, our viewers, will always have a show where any question not only welcomed, but encouraged. The beautiful part of our show is that each show is fluid and we can pivot our focus based on the information you want most. The more you interact with this show, the better it will become. After twenty-four seasons we have yet to run out of questions to answer. This week and every week to follow, please ask anything. We will be here to answer.
Richard P. Holm, MD passed away in March 2020 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He is founder of The Prairie Doc®. For free and easy access to the entire Prairie Doc® ® library, visit www.prairiedoc.organd follow Prairie Doc® on Facebook.
Dr. Jill Kruse is a hospitalist at the Brookings Health System in Brookings, SD. She serves as one of the Prairie Doc Volunteer Hosts during its 24th Season providing Health Education Based on Science, Built on Trust.
