A medical student. A simple question.
“How am I supposed to go on caring?”
At the time, suggestions abound.
Work-life balance. Self-care. Hobbies.
Remembering our initial calling.
Remembering we still make a difference.
Remembering our love for medicine
and the privilege we have as caregivers.
But then the realization-
I don’t know the answer.
I only know that I have witnessed around me-
at every stage of training and practice-
evidence of emotional exhaustion.
Dissatisfaction.
Disillusionment.
Burnout.
So this is my plea…
A plea-
to students,
to colleagues,
to practitioners,
but–even more–
to myself.
A plea as we
embark further into
the world of medicine.
A plea-
never to lose the satisfaction
we experience in caring for others–
the thrill savored
when we supported our first patient,
the warmth felt when families embraced us,
entrusting us with their care,
their health,
their lives.
A plea–
to preserve our love,
our burden,
our heart–
for mankind.
That despite challenges faced,
we refuse to lose what we have gained.
That despite the obstacles
in an ever-changing environment–
despite the self-doubt, criticism, personal struggles–
despite the constant immersion into death and suffering
and the consequent self-preservatory layers
of emotional shield–
Despite everything.
That we would continue
to feel,
to love,
to enjoy–
Medicine.
Our patients.
Our calling.
Life.
Because this is my hope for the future.
That we would never lose the simple joy of helping others
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Categories: All Poetry, Medical Poetry, Spoken Word Videos
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I admire and honor the hard work and deep emotional contribution of physicians and nurses. Having worked many years in the medical field I recognize that some have become desensitized and I too have put up defenses of self preservation. We must show our appreciation for the impact that illness, pain , fear, and grief , hopefully the good they do will
make it worthwhile.
I sometimes feel like that too. 🙂 But I realize that we are just human and need to find that balance between objectivity and empathy. Wishing you the best. 🙂
Same to you Phoebe. 🙂
Thank you very much for sharing this – and yourself – with humankind. How the world needs compassion and reflection like yours. And how fortunate are the people who encounter your care and ministrations. Again: thank you 🙂
Thank you so much for your very kind sentiments. I find that I need this reminder just as much as everyone else, as it is easy to forget this joy in the midst of a chaotic day… 🙂
Thank you very much for sharing this – and yourself – with humankind. How the world needs compassion and reflection like yours. And how fortunate are the people who encounter your care and ministrations. Again: thank you 🙂
A beautiful, poignant response to a challenging question – thanks Phoebe. I have such admiration for how doctors hold it together, often in the face of very difficult circumstances. I think your medical student’s question is one which we would all benefit from asking ourselves from time to time, not just those working within the medical field!
All the very best
Mark L
Thank you for your kind words, Mark. 🙂
This is fabulous phoebe! I love watching you read. And this message just shows the depth of your caring, the size of your heart.