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
◊
Categories: All Poetry, Medical Poetry, Spoken Word Videos
Every occupation has burnout, disillusionment and times when we wonder why we do what we do.
That is very true, indeed.
I love to watch you read your poems puppydoc. The everyday travails of the doctor surmised beautifully. Plea heard, I’m sure😉
Aww thank you Aweni! 🙂
i hear the cry
within the lov
of humanity
while medicine
storms
throughout
world…
Trapped by rules
made within
society, whom hold back
advancement
hidden throughout
the paranormal
did life, precious
swirl…
Hugs & kisses always!
chris
i lov,
being
able
to
watch
as
you
narrate
you
piece!
kisses chris
Thanks, Chris! 🙂
Mosted
kindedly
welcome!
lov chris