Words carry a great influence. Often they are uttered mindlessly from what is heard or read strictly because it sounds "good". Phrases are dropped into the conversation without truly thinking through what is actually being stated. Many of us have these drop phrases... phrases like "I know" when we haven't a clue or "you know" when we can't explain it.

As a medical student, I've become ever more aware of saying what you mean and meaning what you say through my interactions with family, friends and patients. In-spite of my status as a student, my lack of experience, and the feeling of being a bull in a China shop (knowing just enough to be dangerous), I must choose my words carefully knowing they carry far more importance than deserved. Often I am asked medical questions... questions I know just enough about to provide "bad advice". I have learned that I must mean what I say and carefully choose my words, including my drop phrases and exclamations, knowing each and every one holds meaning.

During orientation to medical school, my class was told that we were starting the most contrived situation we will ever experience. We will be pushed, harassed, broken and expended far beyond reason. We will question our motives and want to quit. However, in return we will experience things few will ever experience. We will have a lifetime of sharing in others' joy and grief and knowing we have made a small impact on the world in which we live.

To help prepare us for this life, our first two years consist of an incredible amount of classroom work and studying (~28 semester hours 1st year and 40 the 2nd). While surviving this course-load, we were given a sanity week every 5th week in which we are
exposed to clinical situations through working with a local preceptor (doctors we apprentice under). It was from my preceptor that I learned the value of meaning what you say and that your position dictates how and what you can say.

It was a typical morning for my preceptor, a local family physician. I had just learned the Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) exam and was watching my preceptor do it for the umpteenth time when he found a good example for me to see. After describing what he saw, my preceptor gave me the otoscope and told me to take a look. It was at this point I learned the power of words.

I took the otoscope, examined the patient and being surprised at how accurately my preceptor had described what I saw I exclaimed, "Oh Wow." Fortunately, the patient had a sense of humor when my preceptor told me, "Eric, there are two things a doctor doesn't say, 'Oh Wow' and 'Uh-oh'." We all laughed and I made note to not say "Oh Wow."

Reflecting on this experience made me think about other drop phrases I used and challenged me "clean up my vocabulary" when three phrases stood out-- "honestly," "to be honest," and "I personally." I decided to eliminate these phrases from my vocabulary not because what I was saying but because of what was implied when saying it. "Honestly" or "to be honest," unintentionally implied everything else I said was dishonest. "I personally," implied everything else I spoke included the opinion of others.

As a medical student and future doctor, everything I say must be honest and spoken for myself. There is no margin for error when describing to a patient their disease or treatment. Being as straightforward as possible must be of utmost importance. Choosing words carefully, however, applies to everyone. Teachers must be unambiguous and clear in their instructions. Lawyers must choose each and every words carefully lest they lose a case due to a careless word.

Meaning what you say and saying what you mean requires a bit of thought, however, it pays dividends in all walks of life.