Touching lives

from JoeUser Forums
Every once in a while you have an experience that can profoundly touch your life.  It leaves an indelible mark upon your being, causing ripples that extend throughout your life.  Often, these moments involve others.  But what is most interesting is that, not infrequently, those others are unaware of the part they played in that life-altering moment.
 
So it is in medicine.  Every once in a while I am truly aware of and overwhelmed by the trust and confidence that patients place in me. 
 
But most of the time it is just part of the day. 
 
You wake them up early, they don't mind (most of the time).  You poke them with needles, they don't mind.  You clean their painful wound, they don't mind.  Cut them open and sew them back together, they don't mind.  They sometimes even thank you.
 
Humbling.
 
I truly consider it an enormous privilege to work in the medical field.  People open up to their doctor in a way they don't open up to anyone.  I have had husbands and wives tell me very candidly about things they don't even dare share with their spouse of 15+ years.  And they met me less than 15 minutes ago.  Undressed, uncovered, unhidden, they open up and let me in to their lives, knowing they will likely never see me again.
 
The potential is that they leave their dignity at the door, along with their clothes.  I feel it is my job to ensure they never feel that way.  A patient is a human, not a diagnosis.  And I have the privilege to meet and treat new humans every day.  They touch my life, and I pray I can touch theirs.
 
It truly is a privilege.
misc
4,592 views 7 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top

wow, what a beautiful piece of writing, very beautiful.
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
Wow, it is truly wonderful to hear a doctor say that it is a privilege. The doctor who delivered my first son really helped me preserve a bit of my pride in what was a very humbling situation. It is a strange experience to be pretty conservative about people seeing you unclothed only to end up with everything hanging out in front of an entire room of strangers.

There were many undignified things about having a baby but that doctor made me come away feeling dignified somehow. It is also very sweet that he gets a proud grin on his face whenever I talk about my first born in his office. He delivers a lot of babies but I bet each experience touches him and I know for a fact that he leaves a lasting impression on his patients.

Best wishes to you with your experiences.
Sins of a Solar Empire II
Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
HOnestly, I've met very few doctors who have the attitude you have about your patients.

I also understand however, that being a doctor is a profession that has oodles of responsibilities, lots of choices, and is, lots of times, very thankless.

When my father was ill we literally spent weeks at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, and it's hospitals. While we received world-class medical care, I felt like the doctors were often so hurried they didn't really have time to *listen* to our concerns. I guess that was mostly in the hospital...in the clinic my father's oncologists, urologists, and nephrologists were awesome, even when they had to deliver news that wasn't great.

In Las Vegas, health care is atrocious, mainly because doctors are over worked and hospitals and clinics are understaffed.

Here, though, every doctor I've seen, except for my gynecologist, has had a very good beside manner. My family practitioner has spent at least half an hour each visit catching up with me, asking me how I'm feeling and if there's any other concerns we need to address. This facility here is connected to the Mayo Health System as well. I'm *very* pleased.

Don't *ever* lose that compassion, BD. You can tell me I'm dying, or tell me you don't know what's wrong with me, as long as you can give me a firm handshake or a hug as you walk out the door.
Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top

Trudy: Thanks for your kind words.

There were many undignified things about having a baby but that doctor made me come away feeling dignified somehow.

Jill: That is one of those things that falls into the "Art of Medicine" category if you ask me.  You can't learn it in the books, you just have to gain that skill while working with patients.  Thanks for you comment, and I am so glad you have had a docotor with that skill.  Hope I can always do that.

Don't *ever* lose that compassion, BD. You can tell me I'm dying, or tell me you don't know what's wrong with me, as long as you can give me a firm handshake or a hug as you walk out the door.

Good thoughts Marcie.  It can be tough, but remembering that you are dealing with human beings makes that a lot easier to remember.

Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
When do you get out of residency?  I wish all doctors had your attitude.  But I will admit that mine GP is pretty good as well, as he talks to me like a person, and remembers previous conversations.  I just started seeing him about 5 years ago (I switched at that point), and have been very satisified with him.  I will have to ask if he went to Duke as well.
Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top
I think this is great. I think you're great too!
Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top

When do you get out of residency?

Long time Doc.  Long time. (2012)  Glad you have a good GP.

I think this is great. I think you're great too!

Very kind of you FS.  Many thanks.