DGIM Generally Speaking

Ode to Scribble

Within DGIM our top priority is always to provide our patients with the highest quality of care. Unfortunately, doing so often requires us to overcome numerous barriers, not the least of which are the immense administrative responsibilities that come with patient care. To lighten that workload, some practices in DGIM have piloted the use of Scribble, a scribing solution that lessens the administrative burden on providers, allowing them more time to care for patients. One DGIM Physician, David Harrison, MD, was so grateful for his virtual scribe that he decided to write them this cheery poem.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Ode to Scribble

When I first embarked upon the path to heal
True excitement, purpose, focus I did feel
Caring for patients, in day and in night
‘Twas hard work, but I knew it was right

But then loomed the specter of administrative burden
Referrals, EMRs, forms, so many cats I was herdin’
I thought I might drown, the piles grown so high
The dreaded PCP burnout was looming on nigh

Yet then, in the darkness, there came a shining light
Microphones blazing, fingers typing, their brilliance so bright
The knights radiant were they, humbly named themselves Scribble
Never faltered, never trembled--not even a quibble.

These proud doctors, hailing from lovely Mumbai
They rescued me (virtually) where my weary head did lie
Transforming patient care, making work fun once more
These great Scribble knights, may they always live on in our lore

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

David has been delighted to practice primary care at MGH Everett Family Care since 2005. David speaks Vietnamese and cares for many Vietnamese families in his practice. Prior to MGH Everett, he completed his residency in the Harvard Med/Peds program and earned his MD at HMS. In addition to his work at MGH, David serves as medical director of Best Doctors, a global expert second medical opinion organization. He does not write poetry, but he does like to make up song parodies that he sometimes sings to his patients. He lives in Winchester with his wife and three children.

Read more articles from the Winter 2018 edition of Generally Speaking