Marlene Buckler, MD, FACEP

    Cesar Millan, on his TV show, Dog Wisperer, on National Geographic Channel, teaches clients how to be calm and assertive in dealing with their dogs.  He demonstrates, by his own behavior, how to take command of any situation, not by force but by finesse, and shows the dog owner and everyone in the household how to be the pack leader.

    I love to watch Cesar Millan and I don't even have a dog!  His message is universal and his approach to both dogs and humans is a model for us all.  Calm assertive energy in most situations in life assures that things will run as smoothly as possible.  Avoiding aggressive and submissive behaviors allows us to relate to animals and to people in a healthy way.

    I have tried to use the same approach over the years in dealing with patients in the emergency room.  I just didn't know what it was called.  Using calm assertive energy demonstrates respect both for the patient and for me.  When a doctor approaches the bedside with an air of quiet confidence the therapeutic process can begin.  The patient knows within seconds that this physician can be trusted to take care of the situation no matter how critical it may be.

    Calm assertive energy does not come naturally to everyone.  Most of us have to be made aware of it, and then work on developing the necessary skills, for it to become a part of who we are.  Observing good role models is one of the most efficient methods to ensure self-improvement, and enlightened people like Mr. Millan can show us the way.

    So, be a pack leader in your dealings with others.  This is not to say that you should be aggressive.  Aggression is seldom if ever needed and calm assertive energy can defuse most potentially difficult situations.  When you are calm and filled with self-respect others immediately pick up on that energy and some of it rubs off onto them.     

    Relationships in all areas of life are enhanced by a calm assertive approach.

Marlene Buckler, MD, FACEP   www.StayOutOfMyER.com