In a world that urges you to join “the tournament”, guard your humanism fiercely. It is what your patients, their families, and colleagues often need most. Become a deeply fulfilled workist.
Thank you for writing what I have felt for 30 years of my career as a physician. Medicine today has far too few members who feel or believe in what you describe. It is to the detriment of all society. Medicine has lost its soul and has become more a business than a service profession.
So well stated! I can't help but notice over the years that some of the most empathetic physicians, including primary care physicians, evolve into being involved in the field of chronic pain management and addiction. Doing this adds additional risk and judgment by their peers (who have joined that "tournament"). You have to have the values and self confidence outlined above to be so brave and find true meaning in that humanism.
Love this! Perfectly captures the beauty of primary care! I feel it just the same.
I have 3 children in their 20's. They have various friends who are all trying to find their way in the world. I've always thought the emotions you've expressed here apply to any job or profession. Trying to find a job that you put your "all" into is a worthy endeavor. And to spend much of your time at this worthy endeavor is a good thing. I've found it interesting that some young people these days think those of us who have this "work ethic" aren't placing our priorities in the right place and that giving in to a job with typical hours and time off is somehow "giving into the man/capitalism/the system" and they want to focus more on "lifestyle". They don't want to wait till "retirement" to have more free time, they want it now. (luckily, our children fall into the "workist" group of people).
I've enjoyed everyday of my work life over the past 30 years and this captures why. Thank you again. This is a keeper.
A wonderful reflection - you lead me to direct the questions at myself. I am a clinician researcher. I have felt torn between the deep fulfillment of being a team member who helps expose a question, and the distressing impact of how we are (of necessity) scrutinized and rated in peer review and similar mechanics. In patient care the tension is arguably there but has always seemed more muted to me. I aim to hold onto your words and wisdom here
Wonderful descriptions. I wish Elon Musk and others who want to digitize and transactionalize medical functions would understand the value of human “touch” in medicine.
Kudos - i’m reading this in the early morning at the airport and I have so much to say, but for now let me extend a deep thank you for your words and their meaning. When we achieve this level of attunement with our patience, it is a balm for both with the patient benefiting through harnessing the power of placebo biology and the practitioner benefiting by feeling fulfilled . I hope we have the opportunity to talk sometime.
Yes, I agree with that. I've always had those internal thoughts and approach to people, of any type. Don't need any "language police" to change how I feel about people. The quick words we use to convey information to each other matter less than how we actually value and treat people!
I am Christian and All moral authority comes from GOD. To be empathetic and compassionate in medicine to others, is actually a gift from GOD that each of us possess. It is very easy to love God and love your neighbor. Jesus taught us this many years ago. The article is an expression of that Love and a reminder that each possesses those gifts and to use them.
Thank you for writing what I have felt for 30 years of my career as a physician. Medicine today has far too few members who feel or believe in what you describe. It is to the detriment of all society. Medicine has lost its soul and has become more a business than a service profession.
So well stated! I can't help but notice over the years that some of the most empathetic physicians, including primary care physicians, evolve into being involved in the field of chronic pain management and addiction. Doing this adds additional risk and judgment by their peers (who have joined that "tournament"). You have to have the values and self confidence outlined above to be so brave and find true meaning in that humanism.
Love this! Perfectly captures the beauty of primary care! I feel it just the same.
I have 3 children in their 20's. They have various friends who are all trying to find their way in the world. I've always thought the emotions you've expressed here apply to any job or profession. Trying to find a job that you put your "all" into is a worthy endeavor. And to spend much of your time at this worthy endeavor is a good thing. I've found it interesting that some young people these days think those of us who have this "work ethic" aren't placing our priorities in the right place and that giving in to a job with typical hours and time off is somehow "giving into the man/capitalism/the system" and they want to focus more on "lifestyle". They don't want to wait till "retirement" to have more free time, they want it now. (luckily, our children fall into the "workist" group of people).
I've enjoyed everyday of my work life over the past 30 years and this captures why. Thank you again. This is a keeper.
Very inspirational words and thoughts from someone that understands what she is doing.
A wonderful reflection - you lead me to direct the questions at myself. I am a clinician researcher. I have felt torn between the deep fulfillment of being a team member who helps expose a question, and the distressing impact of how we are (of necessity) scrutinized and rated in peer review and similar mechanics. In patient care the tension is arguably there but has always seemed more muted to me. I aim to hold onto your words and wisdom here
Beautifully stated. Primary care is relationship based, not title or diploma based. That is where we derive our energy
Wonderful descriptions. I wish Elon Musk and others who want to digitize and transactionalize medical functions would understand the value of human “touch” in medicine.
Kudos - i’m reading this in the early morning at the airport and I have so much to say, but for now let me extend a deep thank you for your words and their meaning. When we achieve this level of attunement with our patience, it is a balm for both with the patient benefiting through harnessing the power of placebo biology and the practitioner benefiting by feeling fulfilled . I hope we have the opportunity to talk sometime.
Thank you
Loved this save the language police! To be fulfilled in one’s work is a blessing
Yes, I agree with that. I've always had those internal thoughts and approach to people, of any type. Don't need any "language police" to change how I feel about people. The quick words we use to convey information to each other matter less than how we actually value and treat people!
I am Christian and All moral authority comes from GOD. To be empathetic and compassionate in medicine to others, is actually a gift from GOD that each of us possess. It is very easy to love God and love your neighbor. Jesus taught us this many years ago. The article is an expression of that Love and a reminder that each possesses those gifts and to use them.
Great read. I needed to hear this today. Thank you so much.