I am recalling a workshop on unconscious bias from last year, the moderator hands outpatient prototype profiles to each table of participants. Ours is a glossy paper with a color photo of our patient, Jane, and a clear outline of her type of employment, hobbies, interests, family members, religious beliefs, and how she prefers to receive information. This strikes me as very clear and succinct, calling attention to many of the personal qualities which define this imaginary person and may impact her care needs.
This memory is called up during a routine follow up visit with Mrs. D., who I have only known for a few months. While I type a brief addendum to my progress note, I am distracted by Mrs. D. digging aggressively in her handbag. She pulls out a 4×6 photo of herself, her husband and their two grown children. She places it on the work table next to my hand.
“I thought you might like to see this,” she says, “This is who I am.”
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