Speaking Life Into A Patient's Care

It has long been a part of medical tradition to give the patient any possible bad news as soon as the opportunity arises.  I think this needs to be balanced with giving the patient every bit of evidence of good news as well.  When a patient arrives at my office with a "tummy ache" I can warn them of the possibility of cancer, dissecting aortic aneurysm and every other possible scary diagnosis.  I could also skirt my responsibility by saying "It's probably nothing."  Both approaches are weak medicine.  There is a better way to approach a patient that is infinitely more satisfying to both the doctor and the one who seeks their assistance.  I call it "Speaking Life."