This article was deep and profound. Indeed, it is a the greatest act of charity to be there for those who are suffering most on a day they should be home with family.
I love this and it embodies how I always felt when I worked on holidays in the hospital. It was part of the mission of being a clinician and taking care of patients. I never regretted one day. It also made me realize that the holiday itself is just a day - but the "holiday" is the moment you are together with your loved ones and those precious moments.
I read your inspiring essay over my second cup of coffee before heading to the hospital for rounds, two urgent procedures, and at least one new consult so far this morning. Thank you.
True. But listening to the Little Drummer Boy for the fourteenth time on the hospital speakers in the empty hallways was enough to drive you mad! Merry Christmas!
Yes, on weekends and holidays you can find the charts (I’m dating myself- no charts anymore)- correction, find a workstation, you can find the patients (they’re not all over the hospital having studies and procedures) and you’re usually not distracted by dozens of phone calls. The biggest problem with working on holidays and weekends is that they occur on holidays and weekends.
Holidays especially Christmas emphasizes the relationship over the transactional in medicine. For us who have practiced pediatrics for a long time, understand that this is the best part of the job.
So true, I very much appreciate it today as I lost my older brother on Monday evening to a glioblastoma (brain tumour). He was the best big brother one could have and I feel so especially for his grandchildren. In the three weeks at hospice he had more visitors than the whole building combined. He loved Christmas so much as we did him.
What a delightful essay that captures the true essence of the calling to be a medical professional.A delightful piece to be the first thing I read this Christmas morning! Well said and Merry Christmas!
I always worked the holidays. Mostly for the shift differential/holiday pay as I was a single Mom and that extra $3 mattered back then. Some of my most profound life and death experiences happened during these times. I remember falling to my knees in prayer for the life of a 6 month old heart patient who was failing, hoping and begging that he live through the day and not die on Christmas, for the sake of hi 2 year old sister and parents. The year was 1989 and Jake Burris died on December 26th. God listened that night. Merry Christmas, All.
This article was deep and profound. Indeed, it is a the greatest act of charity to be there for those who are suffering most on a day they should be home with family.
Merry Christmas
You put into words what I have always felt/experienced when I am in the hospital on a holiday.
"Holy" and "health" both have the same Indo-European root, to be whole..
I’m fortunately off for Christmas day this year, but will be starting a week on our inpatient service tomorrow.
Thanks for giving me a positive perspective to keep through the week! I’ll be sure to share your essay with my residents.
I love this and it embodies how I always felt when I worked on holidays in the hospital. It was part of the mission of being a clinician and taking care of patients. I never regretted one day. It also made me realize that the holiday itself is just a day - but the "holiday" is the moment you are together with your loved ones and those precious moments.
Excellent post.
I read your inspiring essay over my second cup of coffee before heading to the hospital for rounds, two urgent procedures, and at least one new consult so far this morning. Thank you.
True. But listening to the Little Drummer Boy for the fourteenth time on the hospital speakers in the empty hallways was enough to drive you mad! Merry Christmas!
Yes, on weekends and holidays you can find the charts (I’m dating myself- no charts anymore)- correction, find a workstation, you can find the patients (they’re not all over the hospital having studies and procedures) and you’re usually not distracted by dozens of phone calls. The biggest problem with working on holidays and weekends is that they occur on holidays and weekends.
Holidays especially Christmas emphasizes the relationship over the transactional in medicine. For us who have practiced pediatrics for a long time, understand that this is the best part of the job.
Thanks for the wonderfully written essay.
Merry Christmas all !
What a wonderful and positive essay. Thank you.
So true, I very much appreciate it today as I lost my older brother on Monday evening to a glioblastoma (brain tumour). He was the best big brother one could have and I feel so especially for his grandchildren. In the three weeks at hospice he had more visitors than the whole building combined. He loved Christmas so much as we did him.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Lovely essay. Thank you
What a delightful essay that captures the true essence of the calling to be a medical professional.A delightful piece to be the first thing I read this Christmas morning! Well said and Merry Christmas!
Beautiful post. Merry Christmas everyone!
I always worked the holidays. Mostly for the shift differential/holiday pay as I was a single Mom and that extra $3 mattered back then. Some of my most profound life and death experiences happened during these times. I remember falling to my knees in prayer for the life of a 6 month old heart patient who was failing, hoping and begging that he live through the day and not die on Christmas, for the sake of hi 2 year old sister and parents. The year was 1989 and Jake Burris died on December 26th. God listened that night. Merry Christmas, All.