Last night was the final episode of NY Med. I’ve shared my love for these shows because they show a behind the scenes look at the places you and I fear most. I believe that overwhelmingly these programs show the staff in a different light than we’re used to, a more compassionate, almost goofy staff going about their daily business just like you and me.
One of the cases last night was an eighteen-year-old boy with Crohn’s Disease. Because of his illness, the young man look as if he were about twelve or thirteen, very skinny, and not as tall as one would expect an eighteen year old to be. The goal for the young man’s surgery was to remove the scarring that has occurred over the years and as well as the damaged part of the intestine. Watching this young man was inspiring. What he wanted most was to be able to eat whatever he wanted and be like his friends.
The young man went into surgery with the Chief-of-Surgery at the helm and a very conscientious resident. The surgeon aside from the Chief-of-Surgery is one of the most prominent gastrointestinal surgeons in the country. The young man was in good hands. The surgery was successfully completed, the surgeon spoke with the family and at the end of the show we hear that young man has gained some weight and grown an inch; an enormous success.
When they interviewed the doctor about the case he was ecstatic. The young man was going to thrive, something that had been out of his reach while facing this debilitating illness. The sweetest part of the interview was when the doctor began an impromptu tap dance. He was thrilled that this young man was going to move on to have a fulfilling life.
Surprisingly, this type of lightness and humor was not what we usually see when we go to the doctor. I’m fortunate to have some fabulous doctors, none who dance, but certainly have shared their own personal life experiences with me, increasing their level of humanity in my eyes. I still see them as the expert, but they aren’t necessarily on a pedestal. They are just as human as I am, and when I can connect with them on that level, my confidence level increases, and I feel part of my own healthcare team.
What would you want to now about your doctor? Have you ever thought to ask? My healthcare provider has physician profiles on their website to help members choose a physician they feel they can relate. The profile not only includes their medical training, but their interests and sometimes some personal information about their family. I utilize this information when I have to make a decision. I’m not picking a physician who’s passion is the biking and mountain climbing; we wouldn’t have much in common, but I am impressed by the range of interests and passions of these physicians.
Do you feel it would be helpful if you saw your doctor more as a mortal than a demi-god? What would make you a bit more comfortable with your medical provider?
Pilgrim Pathway/Surviving Strong 