When Dr. Jennifer began bleeding and cramping set in, she had two priorities: get to the hospital and complete her clinical notes. Not necessarily in that order. Jennifer, who requested she only be identified by first name, was five months into her pregnancy. As a family medicine physician, she recognized the symptoms of preterm labor—and if any of her patients had been in her shoes, she would have instructed them to call an ambulance immediately.
But it was only afternoon, and Jennifer still had patients to see. She continued her scheduled visits, then stood at the counter, pushing through the pain and panic, to finish the accompanying notes. “I had to finish my work before …