Ep 4. I Hate Doctors

In season 9, episode 4 of Untold Stories of the E.R., titled "I Hate Doctors," viewers are taken inside the emergency room to witness the challenges physicians face when dealing with difficult patients. The episode features a series of cases where patients arrive at the ER with a chip on their shoulder and a deep-seated mistrust of doctors.

The first patient is an older woman who is afraid of getting a heart attack. Despite her fears, she has refused to take her medication and perform any physical activities for years, causing her to develop several other health issues. The doctors must work hard to convince her to start taking her medication and to change her lifestyle to prevent further deterioration of her health.

The second patient is a young woman who comes into the ER with a high fever, rashes, and a headache. She immediately expresses her hatred of doctors when one of the staff tries to take her blood for tests. The doctors suspect that she has meningitis, a potentially fatal condition if left untreated. However, they are unable to perform a spinal tap on her, which is needed to diagnose the disease, due to her kicking and screaming. The episode showcases the extent to which doctors must go to gain the trust of patients and treat them effectively.

In another case, a man who was injured in a bar fight arrives at the ER. He was stabbed multiple times, but refuses to let the doctors touch him. He is belligerent and aggressive, lashing out at the staff and refusing to comply with their requests. The doctors must use a combination of empathy, firmness, and medical expertise to treat the patient and remove the weapons lodged in his body.

The fourth case featured in the episode is that of a man who has severe chest pains. When the doctors perform a CT scan, they discover a blood clot in one of his lungs. They inform him that he will need to stay in the hospital for treatment and observation. However, the patient is paranoid about doctors and hospitals and demands to leave immediately. The doctors must convince him of the seriousness of his condition and the importance of receiving prompt medical attention.

Finally, one of the most challenging cases of the episode involves a woman who is brought to the ER after attempting suicide. She is unresponsive and in critical condition, with a high level of potassium in her blood. The doctors must perform a number of complicated procedures to stabilize her and keep her alive. In addition to her medical treatment, the doctors also have to deal with the emotional aftermath of her suicide attempt and how to connect with her.

Throughout the episode, viewers see the struggles doctors face when trying to treat patients who refuse to listen to medical advice or who harbor deep distrust of medical professionals. The show highlights the importance of doctors building trust with their patients, not only to improve patient outcomes but also to make their job easier and more effective. Overall, the episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the challenges of emergency medical care and the vital importance of trust in medical relationships.