On Medicine

In death, we must learn to celebrate life.  That, I think is the biggest thing I have learned in the past two years: in death, we must learn to celebrate life.  I have now been to the funerals of two children that I have cared for, both under the age of 15.  It doesn’t get easier.  Although I won’t be going into pediatrics, I will still remember these children.  They will be part of who I am for a very, very long time.  The pain I felt for them, I will remember each time a patient dies.  They are all like family.  It doesn’t matter how old or young.  All have family and friends that love them, have memories with them, had imagined their future.  I have fallen into that as well at times, and that’s okay; that’s good.  I may not always be able to become as strongly a member of a patient’s life and family, but I can always be empathetic for the families that are going through very difficult times.  I will try to always be understanding and compassionate and empathetic.  There’s not much else I can truly promise as a doctor except to give fully and do the best I can with what I know and have to offer.