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Dr. H, I know you're a doctor (or perhaps pursuing that field), and I was curious—why do you incorporate humor in your conversations Isn’t the medical profession typically seen as one that requires a more serious, respectful tone, where humor might not always seem appropriate? ?
I’m just curious because I really enjoy the humor you bring to your conversations. I was wondering, though, if it’s always appropriate to use humor in a professional setting, especially in the medical field?
3 answers
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Chad,
First off, love the curiosity! And I totally get where you're coming from—doctors are supposed to be all serious, emotionless, and talk like they're narrating a science documentary, right? Yeah… no.
See, I used to believe that too. White coats. Stiff posture. Deep, grave voice. The whole "serious doctor aesthetic." But then, life had other plans.
The Moment Everything Changed
Picture this: I’m at a bariatric surgery conference in Pakistan, surrounded by doctors in their most serious, intellectual mode. And then… in rolls this Egyptian professor, older than time itself but sharper than a scalpel. He starts his lecture—formal, respectful, wise… and then suddenly drops humor like it's an essential vitamin. Everyone is hooked. He’s cracking jokes, throwing in witty remarks, and somehow, he’s teaching better than anyone else in the room.
After his talk, I went up to him, still trying to process what just happened. I asked, "Why use humor? Isn't this a serious field?"
And this legend looks at me and says:
"Seriousness will stress you out. You’re not here for money or fame. You’re here to save lives. So why not bring a little light into it? People come in sick, scared, and broken. A smile, a joke, a bit of humor—that’s medicine too."
Boom. Mind blown.
Why I Choose Humor Every Day
After that, I did a little experiment. Some patients, I kept the serious doctor act. Others, I cracked jokes, made them laugh, lightened the mood. You know what happened? The ones who laughed? They felt better, faster. Not just physically—mentally, emotionally, everything.
Turns out, happy people heal better. And no, that’s not just feel-good nonsense. There’s actual science behind it. Laughter reduces stress hormones, boosts the immune system, and even lowers pain perception.
So yeah, I’ll always use humor. Not because I don’t take medicine seriously, but because I take people seriously. And people need more than just treatments. They need hope, comfort, and maybe even a bad joke about colonoscopies.
Doctors Who Love Their Job? They Laugh.
Over the years, I’ve met all kinds of doctors—serious, funny, grumpy, over-caffeinated zombies—and one thing stood out: The happiest, most passionate doctors? They’re the ones who laugh.
The ones who love what they do don’t just see a disease, a diagnosis, or a problem to fix. They see a person. And if you see the person, you bring warmth, humor, and humanity into the room.
Final Thought—A Life Rule, Not Just a Doctor Rule
Chad, whether you become a doctor, a vet, a zoologist, or the guy who discovers a new species of flying turtle, remember this:
People will tell you to be "serious" about life. Ignore them. Be passionate. Be curious. Be yourself. If humor is part of that? Never let anyone take it away from you.
Because at the end of the day, we’re all heading toward the same inevitable outcome. Might as well laugh along the way.
Stay awesome, Chad. And stay curious. The world needs more of that.
trust me there are so many awesome lads who want to say it but somethings just changes them so don't think seriousness is always the key-you need it yes like when you have a bossy boss!
Hope it helped get something from it. Just stay positive no matter what the feedbacks!
First off, love the curiosity! And I totally get where you're coming from—doctors are supposed to be all serious, emotionless, and talk like they're narrating a science documentary, right? Yeah… no.
See, I used to believe that too. White coats. Stiff posture. Deep, grave voice. The whole "serious doctor aesthetic." But then, life had other plans.
The Moment Everything Changed
Picture this: I’m at a bariatric surgery conference in Pakistan, surrounded by doctors in their most serious, intellectual mode. And then… in rolls this Egyptian professor, older than time itself but sharper than a scalpel. He starts his lecture—formal, respectful, wise… and then suddenly drops humor like it's an essential vitamin. Everyone is hooked. He’s cracking jokes, throwing in witty remarks, and somehow, he’s teaching better than anyone else in the room.
After his talk, I went up to him, still trying to process what just happened. I asked, "Why use humor? Isn't this a serious field?"
And this legend looks at me and says:
"Seriousness will stress you out. You’re not here for money or fame. You’re here to save lives. So why not bring a little light into it? People come in sick, scared, and broken. A smile, a joke, a bit of humor—that’s medicine too."
Boom. Mind blown.
Why I Choose Humor Every Day
After that, I did a little experiment. Some patients, I kept the serious doctor act. Others, I cracked jokes, made them laugh, lightened the mood. You know what happened? The ones who laughed? They felt better, faster. Not just physically—mentally, emotionally, everything.
Turns out, happy people heal better. And no, that’s not just feel-good nonsense. There’s actual science behind it. Laughter reduces stress hormones, boosts the immune system, and even lowers pain perception.
So yeah, I’ll always use humor. Not because I don’t take medicine seriously, but because I take people seriously. And people need more than just treatments. They need hope, comfort, and maybe even a bad joke about colonoscopies.
Doctors Who Love Their Job? They Laugh.
Over the years, I’ve met all kinds of doctors—serious, funny, grumpy, over-caffeinated zombies—and one thing stood out: The happiest, most passionate doctors? They’re the ones who laugh.
The ones who love what they do don’t just see a disease, a diagnosis, or a problem to fix. They see a person. And if you see the person, you bring warmth, humor, and humanity into the room.
Final Thought—A Life Rule, Not Just a Doctor Rule
Chad, whether you become a doctor, a vet, a zoologist, or the guy who discovers a new species of flying turtle, remember this:
People will tell you to be "serious" about life. Ignore them. Be passionate. Be curious. Be yourself. If humor is part of that? Never let anyone take it away from you.
Because at the end of the day, we’re all heading toward the same inevitable outcome. Might as well laugh along the way.
Stay awesome, Chad. And stay curious. The world needs more of that.
trust me there are so many awesome lads who want to say it but somethings just changes them so don't think seriousness is always the key-you need it yes like when you have a bossy boss!
Hope it helped get something from it. Just stay positive no matter what the feedbacks!
Updated
NRCMA Scott’s Answer
I have been in the medical field for 20 years, I use humor everyday in my interaction with patients. You have to remember, patents are people who are typically nervous when arriving in a unfamiliar setting especially if they're about to undergo some type of procedure. You also have to be able to "read the room" and take great care when speaking to your patients. I always try to "flip the script", what would you appreciate if you were the patient or family member and keep that humor in your back pocket if the situation calls for compassion not comedy. For instance, if someone is gravely ill or a family member had a serious injury. If the patient is a child always consider what it was like being a child. Alot of medical personnel use a type of "gallows humor" when taking amongst themselves and this would never be appropriate when speaking to patients. Always have a great bedside manner and treat everyone with respect and kindness. Humor can be a great disarming tool when someone is having a bad day, but be tactical when applying your type of humor to a situation. As your experience grows when talking to your patients you will understand when a quick, well placed quip can make a difference in a patients personal experience with you.
Updated
Bright’s Answer
This should be a good reason
Humor can actually be an important tool in the medical field. While the profession requires seriousness and respect, humor helps create a **comfortable atmosphere**, ease **patient anxiety**, and build a stronger **doctor-patient relationship**. It allows for **emotional connection**, making the experience less intimidating. Of course, it's about using humor **appropriately**, ensuring it aligns with the context and the patient's mood. Done right, it can improve communication and even **boost healing** by reducing stress. So, it’s not about undermining the seriousness of medicine, but rather making it more **human and relatable**.
Humor can actually be an important tool in the medical field. While the profession requires seriousness and respect, humor helps create a **comfortable atmosphere**, ease **patient anxiety**, and build a stronger **doctor-patient relationship**. It allows for **emotional connection**, making the experience less intimidating. Of course, it's about using humor **appropriately**, ensuring it aligns with the context and the patient's mood. Done right, it can improve communication and even **boost healing** by reducing stress. So, it’s not about undermining the seriousness of medicine, but rather making it more **human and relatable**.
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