Medical Pimping… Is it Necessary?

The word “pimping” has a very different meaning in the medical profession. It refers to the situation where a senior member of the medical team asks a question (or questions) to a junior member. For example, an attending physician asks questions to a resident or medical student and is therefore “pimping” him/her. As a medical student, I am pimped daily by interns, residents, and attending physicians. I don’t always know the answer, in fact, I don’t know the answer most of the time. However, I have noticed that as I have progressed along in my education, I am getting better at answering correctly. I think it’s because of the fear and frustration of not knowing the right answer drives me to learn whatever topic, random fact, or thought process I am lacking. It’s also a really good feeling to get the answer right.

A lot of medical students and interns despise the term because of various embarrassing experiences, all involving not knowing the correct answer. In addition, being asked incessant numbers of questions or being asked obscure random facts also contribute to the disdain. But for the most part, it’s an important and integral part of the medical education process. I think a large part of people’s issues stem from them not knowing that “I don’t know” is an acceptable answer. It’s okay to be wrong, it’s ok to not know, and it’s okay to admit so. After all, we are in a profession that promotes lifelong learning.

Being asked questions helps you realize what material is important, and reinforces material you already know. It’s used to assess and evaluate your medical knowledge, and helps you realize where your weaknesses lie. It’s used as a tool to teach. “Pimping,” when viewed for what it should be, is undoubtedly a necessary part of a complete medical education.