Brokeness

Study suggests physicians may rarely provide empathetic responses to patients' emotional concerns. 

(9/23) USA Today reports that "physicians might be superb at diagnosing and treating diseases, but they could use a lesson or two about how to care for their patients' psyches," according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

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I met a local physician the other day...one of the 2-3 active physicians here serving the 3200 or so here. he trained in Holland and is by any estimation "brilliant".  The mainland Netherlands has some of the best medical training in the world, and if I spoke Dutch, it might be a viable professional option to do some training or even live there. I  have a friend who live in Utrecht and I can't get enough of the descriptions of open markets, the dikes, train access to Europe, the medical center...

This physician could practice anywhere, yet he chose (not a loan payback program or punishment for anything)...he chose to be here. We talked about why. He mentioned a "brokeness" he had about himself that allowed him to listen to his "God", and do in spite of what he felt, and about what was right.

Cultivating a spirit to work in medicine is a lifelong process for many. As a firefighter paramedic on the verge of going to PA school, I was filled with excitement about going to school and learning the craft. But it was then, about me. It filled a need in me to be professional successful in the field I enjoyed.

We need more "brokeness" in the world of medicine and use our gifts in a way that serve ourselves less, and serve others more. It certainly is a great hope of mine.  Besides it's much easier to stay above your own personal strife when you are serving others.