Study Details Physician Behavior Issues; Another Examines Spanish Language Skills And Patient Communication

A new study detailed findings regarding physicians' patterns of unprofessional behavior. Separate research investigated doctors' willingness to use limited Spanish to communicate with patients.

Kaiser Health News: Capsules: Doctors Admit To Unprofessional Behavior In Study At 3 Chicago Hospitals
Working in a real hospital isn't usually as dramatic as is portrayed in TV shows like Grey's Anatomy or House, MD, but a new study has identified unprofessional behaviors to which hospital-based doctors most frequently admit, including badmouthing fellow doctors and finding medical excuses to get out of having to care for patients.

Reuters: Many Doctors Use Limited Spanish Skills With Patients
Many doctors-in-training with shaky Spanish skills are willing to discuss medical care with their patients in Spanish -- but that may change after they are tested for fluency, a new study suggests. Researchers surveyed 76 pediatric residents and found 64 percent were willing to use Spanish with their patients. That number fell to 51 percent after they were evaluated on their Spanish skills -- a difference due to fewer non-proficient speakers using the language after testing (Seaman, 6/13).