The Art of Pimping

Hi folks,

Usually we keep things pretty formal and academic here on Horses and Zebras, but today we're going to talk about something different - the art of pimping.

For those unfamiliar with the term as it applies to Medicine, this is when a staff "poses a series of very difficult questions to an intern or student." Often this is done to further learning or highlight gaps in knowledge, but at times it can make the learner feel self-conscious or even uncomfortable.

We've all experienced this and part of going through your training is knowing how to handle it.

Check out the very humorous, but all too true article that started it all. Some excellent defensive tips are offered.

Our own Dr. Detsky furthered the discussion on this topic with his article from JAMA in 2009.

In all seriousness, "pimping" will continue to be a part of medical education for the foreseeable future. Here are some things (from one trainee to another) that have helped get me though the 10,000 times I've been put on the spot:

1) Remember that your staff is trying to help you learn, not hurt your feelings. You will never forget something you got wrong when pimped (i.e. the Toronto clinical prediction rule for aortic stenosis).

2) It's OK to stop, take a deep breath and think about the answer rather than blurting out the first thing that comes to mind.

3) If you don't know the answer or are never going to remember it, just be honest and say, "I don't know." This is better than squirming for 5 minutes during which time it'll be obvious you didn't know the answer.

4) If you think you know the answer, then answer with confidence. Not arrogance, but confidence. If you're right, you'll get credit for being right! If you're wrong - you were going to be wrong anyway, so you've lost nothing. However, if you're right but you answered in a sheepish, high pitched and uncertain voice, you'll only get credit for guessing.

Finally, when it's your turn to be the teacher, remember what it felt like to get "pimped".