Learned helplessness

ME

Hi, this is Michelle from psychiatry. You placed a consult on this patient?

INTERN

Oh hi! Yes. Are you going to see the patient soon?

ME

Um, it depends. Can you tell me what the specific question is?

INTERN

Oh, our patient has dementia, and we were hoping you could help us figure out the etiology?

ME

Hm, so dementia is usually worked up by neurology.

INTERN

Oh okay.

ME

All right then, I'm going to cancel this consult okay? But if he starts to--

INTERN

Wait, what! Why??

ME

Because dementia is a neurology issue. So you should consult neurology.

INTERN

Oh.
[3 second pause] 
Um, do you know the number for neuro consult?