Every profession and trade has saints and sinners. Those who bask in the splendor of well-deserved attention. And those that deserve stingy praise at best. But it’s more complicated than that.
Let’s dissect surgeons for an example. They are a group with which I have a lot of background—lots of saints and sinners. But like the rest of us, imperfect.
There was Dr. D, for instance. An excellent technical surgeon. In his hands, your surgery was going to be a success if that outcome was at all possible. Unfortunately, he had the personality of a dead fish. Don’t expect sympathy, an explanation of what was going on, or a visit afterwards…that was the resident’s job.
Then there was Dr.S. He had a drinking problem. The staff all knew it, but said nothing because once he slipped into a surgical gown and gloves, whatever personal problems he had slipped away, and the patient was his only focus. His success rate was incredible.
Dr. R. what a creep. His patients were always intoxicated. The anesthesiologist sometimes refused to sedate his patients. His technique was sloppy, and some of us refused to work with him entirely. The hospital administration eventually revoked his privileges.
Doctors C and V. Serious, patient-centered, sometimes pains in the ass to work with, but absolutely who you’d want to have cutting on your case. They were also dedicated teachers and would teach and instruct anyone from the orderly to the administrator on the anatomy or procedure. Dr. V and I had a somewhat contentious relationship, but I selected him ( to his surprise) when I needed surgery. The cream of the crop.
Doctor D. I fought to get assigned to his cases. Years later, I needed a hip done. The surgeon was one of his former residents.
Dr T. His tea time is at 2 pm. We will be done before them. Need I say more?
Well, I could go on, but in short form, that’s it. Saints and sinners, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Feel better about that trip to the OR?
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Some surgeons definitely skipped class during ‘Bedside Manner 101.”
When I think about who my personal heroes are, it’s the nurses. God bless them. I would hate the job of cleaning up human liquids, listening to humans in pain, listening to humans in a bad mood, smelling sick humans, working terrible hours and too many of them in a row, not getting paid enough, not getting respected enough. They are the angels of the planet.
I can absolutely understand what you’re saying about doctors who may have personality problems, but if they’re all about their patient and getting the job done right, then I’m willing to forgive all the rest. For the job of a surgeon, the job itself seems to be everything. God bless them too.
Nurses and techs. We baby them, get them their coffee to drink through a straw when gowned and gloved, and much, much more.
Oh!! See, so underappreciated I never even knew this!
I’ve had good care in surgery but I don’t want to do it again. I may, but right now, no no no no…
I don’t blame you!