Thank You for the Privilege

It has been quite amazing to see the power of the white coat. One of my favorite things about becoming a doctor and taking care of patients is the trust that this position instills in others. People whom you have never met before will suddenly reveal to you the innermost secrets in their lives that they may not share with anyone else. I have had the opportunity to share some of the most important events in people's lives when I did not even know their names. This has recently been highlighted even more during my short time in the ER this month. The ER moves fast. There is even less time to form a relationship with the patients and their family. Sometimes there is no time and just action. Last week I saw a 2 year old child pronounced dead and then the reaction of the mother and grandmother. I saw a teenager come in after a wreck involving some pot smoking and the reaction of the parents. Yesterday I saw an old woman who could barely speak, but just wanted to hold my hand and know that someone was with her. Today I saw an old woman who was spunky and alive one minute, and was literally dying the next minute, while I witnessed the reaction of her daughters. On the other end of the spectrum I was able to help with and witness many births during my time in the labor hall as a 3rd year. It is such a privilege to be allowed into these moments of live and death. It makes me realize the responsibility and the gravity that comes with being a physician. I appreciate the openness, trust, and faith that most patients put into their doctors. I hope that I am able to live up to this calling and trust that so many physicians have earned and maintained before me.

The Doctor
Samuel Fildes