Physicians do many things.
We make diagnoses. We deliver babies. We take out inflamed appendices. We treat depression, lower blood pressure, and manage urinary tract infections. In dark rooms and under microscopes, we exercise our intellect. Whether we are teachers, learners, or consultants, we exercise our art.
We are more.
More than the white coats we wear. More than a set of data for pharmaceutical companies. More than a source of income for health care systems.
We hold the hands of our patients, as well as our staff and colleagues. We work ourselves to exhaustion at times, just because we know we are needed. Even though we are not always ready, we make ourselves readily available.
In the last 18 months, I have seen more heroism in the real life of clinical medicine than I have seen in any Marvel movie.
I know, without a doubt, we are more.
We help colleagues grow practices and recruit new staff. We refer patients to them, because we know they will receive quality care.
Routinely, we check on our friends in practice, making sure they are caring for themselves. We ask the real questions. Instead of asking “how are you”, asking “when are we having pizza and a movie?”
We are those who are mindful of the emotional and physical drains of this life, knowing that the supporting hug is a greater blessing than the accusing finger.
We are more.