I’ve been a nurse for 21 years and have worked critical care, post-cardiac cath, endo, and OR. I’ve come across hundreds of doctors in those years, and doctors who lack “people skills” (in the way that I define them) can do tremendous damage. Not only clinically, as a result of poor communication and cooperation with the health care team, but in terms of the damage they can do to patients’ souls. I have zero patience anymore for doctors who refuse to listen, question, collaborate, educate, and respect those around them. No one is indispensable. For every brilliant surgeon who has crappy bedside manner, there are two who have the same skills but can treat people around them with compassion and respect. There is no reason to put up with that kind of crap because you believe that their skills make up for lack of respect, compassion, and humanity. There are very few doctors whose skills/knowledge are truly all that unique that they can justify unkind and unprofessional behavior.