An intern on my team was presenting patients to me this morning. I listened to her carefully and watched her mannerisms. She was methodical and thoughtful. So I took it in and got the story that she'd dutifully put together for me to hear.
Then when we went into the room, I noticed her body language. Mindful of the human being before her in this vulnerable position. Eyes on the patient and not darting from side to side. Gently nodding and intentional in demonstrating how much this patient deserved her undivided attention.
It was beautiful.
"Your doctor will tell you the plan for the day, okay?" This is what I told the patient as I stepped aside and allowed her to step forward.
And step forward she did.
Her voice was calm. Each word was laced with such respect that it made me take pause. And the truth is that we had a lot of work to do. A whole lot more patients to go and see on these rounds and, thanks to her and this moment, I recognized that slowing down to fully honor the patient requires a sacrifice that sometimes gets lost. But not on her.
I appreciated the lesson.
I pulled her aside in the hallway later and told her. "I can tell that you deeply, deeply care. It is obvious that you see this as a privilege. It is, you know. Thank you for reminding me of that today."
And her face flushed bright pink because this caught her off guard. But it was true so she needed to hear that.
Here is what I want you all to know:
There are some young caregivers coming along that care. I mean really-and-truly-deep-down-in-their-souls care in the purest and most genuine kind of way. That is what I witnessed on rounds today at Grady Hospital.
And man. I was so glad that I did.
***
Happy Thursday.
(Image above courtesy of Cathy M.)
This is really good to hear. Maybe even more precious because it seems all too rare, so completely the opposite of burnout or hubris or dismissiveness. There must be something about your mentoring vibe that encourages the openness you watched so carefully. What an invaluable talent that is.
ReplyDeleteI listened to an interview where the physician being interviewed described the physician-patient visit as a sacred ritual, with special clothing, special instruments, and the laying on of hands. He broke it down very beautifully.
ReplyDeleteI love to read your blog! That joy from taking care (patients, interns - whatever) and teaching younger doctors is precious. I come from Poland, doing my residency (anesthesia & intensive care) - I wish we have teachers like you in our hospital.
ReplyDeleteDare
Have I told you lately that I love you? I know, we don't know each other, but I'm crazy about what you are about ... And not in a crazy, spooky way either. But, rather, in sisterly love.
ReplyDeleteCaring doctors and nurses make all the difference..
ReplyDeleteFrom the deck of the Poop
ReplyDeleteWhat I just observed from this reading is an extraordinary and genuinely caring teacher giving "praise" to an extraordinary student.
Keep up the good work.
PoopDeck