Dr. William F. Willis This is Me

Education

 Web References

1. 1. DermatologyTimes - Practice guidelines ... or cookbook medicine?

   www.dermatologytimes.com/derma - [Cached]

   Published on: 6/23/2002   Last Visited: 6/23/2002

   In Albuquerque, N.M., William F. Willis, M.D., said he's closing in on retirement and doesn't really plan to change what he does - but he still thinks guidelines are a good idea.
   
   "I think they're the coming thing. They give you a standard to measure things by, and give you - guidelines. It's not that every patient is the same or that you can use them on every patient - it's not that simple. It's not a cookbook sort of issue, it's just something to refer to."
   
   Dr. Willis, in practice for 30 years, understands concerns that guidelines can lead to cookbook medicine, but doesn't think they are really justified.
   
   "You know, we all think we're great chefs, and we don't like to use cookbooks, but," he laughs, "it's nice to have one available - because there are times when we need guidance.
   
   "I think it's a good thing, an enormous amount of work has gone into those guidelines on somebody's part. It's my impression that these were never meant to be a cookbook - I just think they provide a standard of care you can refer to."
   
   Of more concern, Dr. Willis said, is that nonphysicians could potentially misuse the guidelines. "In the climate we have to practice in, I think it's an issue. In this country, you can be held at-fault legally for anything that you do - or don't do. The fact that you're trying to do what's best for your patient is not a big factor in a court of law."
   
   Other dermatologists find that in some cases, practice guidelines can be very useful in their practices.
   
   ...
   Dr. Willis, a clinical professor at the University of New Mexico, thinks guidelines of care should be taught - but with a word of caution.
   
   "Residency is the time you need to become acquainted with practice guidelines. That's not to say your commonsense and your judgment and your concern for your patients shouldn't over-ride those guidelines at times. But I think that's where dermatologists should be trained to use them.
   
   "And I would hope that they wouldn't limit people. The residency programs should have the wisdom to say, 'these are just guidelines.