The Importance Of Interpersonal Boundaries

Physicians can be some of the most brilliant minds in science and in discovering new cures or technologies, but many neglect the social side of the career. Interacting with patients and co-workers, working on a team together, staying confident in times of crisis, and upholding a positive image are also many important parts of the career. The Intimate Relationships class and Family Social Science minor really have brought to light the intimate relationships I someday will hopefully be able to form with patients.

I want to go into Oncology with an emphasis in pediatrics. Oncology will be emotionally difficult especially if the majority of my patients are adolescents, but also so rewarding. Unlike some other health professions, I will make

It is my job to help them with their problems and empathize with them, but I am to keep my personal issues to myself. This can lead to another topic that was discussed in class: boundaries.

There are two different types of boundaries: intrapersonal and interpersonal. Intrapersonal boundaries determine how much an individual is willing to let others in and let others influence his or her own beliefs, feelings, or self-concept. Interpersonal boundaries are the boundaries that govern relationships. They allow couples or families to connect with one another by sharing their own thoughts and emotions. (Mendenhall, Chap. 7, Pg. 94)

We have different boundaries with different types of people in our lives. We may have undifferentiated, more diffused boundaries with our significant other, while with our co-workers (or patients) we may have more distinguished, rigid boundaries. We want to beware of boundary violation so that we don’t trespass into someone else’s personal space and make the other person feel uncomfortable. The best thing physicians can do is initially set the standard boundaries for their patients and not get attached because it is a professional atmosphere despite the intimate decisions and feelings the families may be going

I need to be able to emphasize with them in order to relate to their needs and emotions but also be able to keep a professional image of myself as their doctor. Setting boundaries from the start can help form the right relationships with the patients without crossing the line and getting attached. One of my biggest faults is that I want to help people too much. I keep pushing in order to make them happy and better, but I don’t realize when it is time to come to terms with what is happening and accept that there is nothing more that I can do to help them. I only can do so much and the rest is in the hands of my Lord. Being able to self reflect upon one’s self to grasp the strengths that I possess but also the weaknesses can help make me the best physician I can be.

In conclusion, intimacy is an important part of every day life. You can find it hidden in all the relationships you have formed with the different people in your day to day activities. Although it may be stronger within your family and not as present between you and your acquaintances, it still plays a great role in every bond that you share with others. Learning about yourself and how to interact with others is one thing everyone should be taught to