Letter to District 12: Week of 11/24

Friends,

This past week, I attended a work conference and interacted with psychiatrists from across the world. I figured this was a great time to share more about what I do for a living.

I do consultation and liaison (CL) psychiatry, which focuses on the care of medically complex people. I work with your other doctors to provide care when you’re admitted to the emergency room, medical ward, or intensive care unit. I help your doctors with difficult diagnoses, I teach them how to adjust your care to your psychiatric needs, and I know how to work the system to advocate for you. Sort of like a psychiatric version of “Dr. House,” but hopefully much more approachable.

This year, the Academy of Consultation and Liaison Psychiatry (ACLP) meeting was in San Antonio, Texas. I met up with my friends to check in on how they’re doing, and met many new friends to discuss what barriers we face. I participated in workshops on how psychiatrists can get involved in policy making and advocating within government. They were really excited that one of their own is running for office! I met people from all across the country, and even met folks from Norway and Australia.

One of the most meaningful moments was seeing my residents present their scholarly work. This is the best part of my job – teaching and mentoring young medical students, helping them to gain skills and confidence as residents, and feeling immense pride when they graduate and bring light into the world.

I’m back home in Delaware and excited to be back on the campaign trail. I’ll be knocking on your door soon!

(Oh, and just to respond to the news from this week – yes, nursing is a profession. So is social work. The Department of Education should stop playing politics with higher education – especially in fields largely run by women.)

Until next time,

Dr. Rob Bahnsen

Candidate for State Representative, District 12