You have a gift, your patients are very fortunate. I had a TeleMed appt. yesterday with my oncologist from a very well known cancer group. She answered all my questions, straight forward and to the point which I appreciated but something was missing. I expressed my anxiety and apprehension about starting up chemo again 9 1/2 years past my original treatment for endometrial cancer, that has now metastasized to my left lung. I still suffer greatly from CIPN and was not looking forward to more damage at 74. Although she was pleasant enough with a half smile on her face there was absolutely no emotional connection at all, no words of encouragement for this go around. She was busy (she was late to the appt. again) and wasn’t even aware that I had already scheduled the date for my lung surgery. We haven’t even started this challenging journey and she already appears to be out of the loop, my loop.
Sounds like less than ideal appointment. We all have rough days but if you have a sense that you’re not jiving with your Gyn/Onc always reasonable to search around for additional opinions. This can make the whole process easier if you have human connection (in my opinion).
Wonderful story. Thank you for doing such good work.
If you don't mind, I have another perspective. Missions of mercy to other cultures have a dark underbelly. They often meddle in the local life, mislead people about "western/first world magic" and lead to devaluation of the good they have there, and toward indiscriminate abandoning of the local/indigenous healing practices
What if similar missions of mercy were directed by dedicated doctors to repairing the western medical system buckling down under the weight of corruption, corporate cooptation, lies and bad faith? Perhaps such an effort could turn things around... (I am pretty dismayed by what is happening in medicine these days; the trust is gone.)
I agree, it can be a fine line between providing needed care and unintentionally disrupting a culture. I think that’s been true of mission work for many generations.
And I do hear you on the broader concerns about medicine here. I live inside that system every day and share my input regularly to administrators.
When you mention lies and bad faith, what feels like the biggest example of that to you right now?
My three biggest concerns right now are a decline in primary care, the unwillingness to come clean in the covid debacle (inviting a repeat), and loss of faith in reported research -- it seems like cheating is pervasive. In one phrase? The psychopaths are in charge now. :-(
I recently experienced the most dismaying and frankly downright abusive primary care visit in my entire life. I am debating whether to stay with the clinic or to sign up with a subsription doc (very expensive). Sigh.
Love this story Daniel. I work with doctors and health experts on using storytelling to inform and motivate your audience. Your story is a masterclass in how a small moment in time can shape your career and approach to helping others.
Dr. Dan- I remember when this miracle adventure occurred. God intervened and always will. Albeit, not always in a way we think it should go. Faith that Gods master plan is and always will be how it unfolds. The church door was a great example of how if we open our minds and heart, prayer and leaning on our savior is the correct path, in all situations. It was nice hearing your life travel story - your kindness and empathy for others comes natural. Your patients benefit from your understanding. I am also happy you can find some peace through your musical talents and your writing abilities too. Thank you for sharing.
You are a remarkable physician. Your patients and colleagues are so fortunate to walk aside you in life.
Everyone has a guardian angel. You had two. You were one.
Nicely said. We need more doctors like this. Can we ever go wrong when we lead with the heart?
Beautiful
You have a gift, your patients are very fortunate. I had a TeleMed appt. yesterday with my oncologist from a very well known cancer group. She answered all my questions, straight forward and to the point which I appreciated but something was missing. I expressed my anxiety and apprehension about starting up chemo again 9 1/2 years past my original treatment for endometrial cancer, that has now metastasized to my left lung. I still suffer greatly from CIPN and was not looking forward to more damage at 74. Although she was pleasant enough with a half smile on her face there was absolutely no emotional connection at all, no words of encouragement for this go around. She was busy (she was late to the appt. again) and wasn’t even aware that I had already scheduled the date for my lung surgery. We haven’t even started this challenging journey and she already appears to be out of the loop, my loop.
Sounds like less than ideal appointment. We all have rough days but if you have a sense that you’re not jiving with your Gyn/Onc always reasonable to search around for additional opinions. This can make the whole process easier if you have human connection (in my opinion).
Such a lovely post. An amazing reminder that we are surrounded by powers greater than ourselves and sometimes surrender is the best option.
If you’re a specialist you should read this: https://open.substack.com/pub/bradcohn/p/my-two-penny-cure?r=y2rt4&utm_medium=ios
Daniel, you are the the kind of physician everyone needs. You are a gem. Thank you for your service to your patients.
This gave me goosebumps
I get emotional every time I read through it on my own as well!
Beautiful!! I believe in the Divine Ecomony of Abundance- what you need speed up when you need it.
Wonderful story. Thank you for doing such good work.
If you don't mind, I have another perspective. Missions of mercy to other cultures have a dark underbelly. They often meddle in the local life, mislead people about "western/first world magic" and lead to devaluation of the good they have there, and toward indiscriminate abandoning of the local/indigenous healing practices
What if similar missions of mercy were directed by dedicated doctors to repairing the western medical system buckling down under the weight of corruption, corporate cooptation, lies and bad faith? Perhaps such an effort could turn things around... (I am pretty dismayed by what is happening in medicine these days; the trust is gone.)
I agree, it can be a fine line between providing needed care and unintentionally disrupting a culture. I think that’s been true of mission work for many generations.
And I do hear you on the broader concerns about medicine here. I live inside that system every day and share my input regularly to administrators.
When you mention lies and bad faith, what feels like the biggest example of that to you right now?
Yes. And to answer your question:
My three biggest concerns right now are a decline in primary care, the unwillingness to come clean in the covid debacle (inviting a repeat), and loss of faith in reported research -- it seems like cheating is pervasive. In one phrase? The psychopaths are in charge now. :-(
I recently experienced the most dismaying and frankly downright abusive primary care visit in my entire life. I am debating whether to stay with the clinic or to sign up with a subsription doc (very expensive). Sigh.
Love this story Daniel. I work with doctors and health experts on using storytelling to inform and motivate your audience. Your story is a masterclass in how a small moment in time can shape your career and approach to helping others.
Thank you Sophie
Dr. Dan- I remember when this miracle adventure occurred. God intervened and always will. Albeit, not always in a way we think it should go. Faith that Gods master plan is and always will be how it unfolds. The church door was a great example of how if we open our minds and heart, prayer and leaning on our savior is the correct path, in all situations. It was nice hearing your life travel story - your kindness and empathy for others comes natural. Your patients benefit from your understanding. I am also happy you can find some peace through your musical talents and your writing abilities too. Thank you for sharing.