By Leah Bode '21
In the last couple of years, I've had the opportunity to shadow a number of physicians in different specialties. With a background in CCIM, I've tried to specifically pay attention to where I see compassion in each specialty. Surgeons and anesthesiologists get somewhat of a bad reputation when it comes to compassion. They are stereotyped to be apathetic to the emotions or experiences of their patients, focused more on the hardcore operation at hand or bringing in a sizable paycheck.
However, the anesthesiologists and surgeons that I've shadowed are some of the most compassionate doctors I've observed.
When I mentioned to an anesthesiologist I met how anesthesiologists might have this reputation, he acknowledged the stereotype, but indicated that it wasn't an accurate representation of his own experience. I inquired how he could practice compassion without ever really getting to know his patients. In anesthesiology, you usually only interact with the patient for a very short amount of time pre-and-post-op, since the patient is unconscious for much of the rest of the encounter (surgery). What he said surprised me. He said that as a surgeon or anesthesiologist, you have the unique ability to approach each patient with a completely fresh slate - no pre-existing relationship. Each patient is a chance to be compassionate and provide the best healing experience possible without reservation or bias. He said that when he is in a surgery, he practices compassion by putting himself in the patient's shoes and ensuring that they get the best treatment possible in that short amount of time. Administering medication and monitoring vital signs may seem like apathetic tasks, but simply paying careful attention and being intentional about how the anesthesia is administered is an act of compassion.
In an uncertain time when it can be difficult to connect with others, I think of my conversation with this anesthesiologist. And I believe his is a lesson that we can apply beyond medicine. As we "shelter in place", how can we approach each precious interaction - be it a Zoom meeting, a wave to our neighbor across the street, or texts with friends - with simple, intentional compassion? Can we put ourselves in someone else's shoes, and ask ourselves what the best way to care for them might be? Are we willing to take up a penpal or deliver groceries, if it means someone's week, day, or hour will improve? Is a smile the best we have to offer today?
My hope is that we all find ways to continue practicing compassion with every interaction amidst the pandemic, however fleeting or distant.
In the last couple of years, I've had the opportunity to shadow a number of physicians in different specialties. With a background in CCIM, I've tried to specifically pay attention to where I see compassion in each specialty. Surgeons and anesthesiologists get somewhat of a bad reputation when it comes to compassion. They are stereotyped to be apathetic to the emotions or experiences of their patients, focused more on the hardcore operation at hand or bringing in a sizable paycheck.
However, the anesthesiologists and surgeons that I've shadowed are some of the most compassionate doctors I've observed.
When I mentioned to an anesthesiologist I met how anesthesiologists might have this reputation, he acknowledged the stereotype, but indicated that it wasn't an accurate representation of his own experience. I inquired how he could practice compassion without ever really getting to know his patients. In anesthesiology, you usually only interact with the patient for a very short amount of time pre-and-post-op, since the patient is unconscious for much of the rest of the encounter (surgery). What he said surprised me. He said that as a surgeon or anesthesiologist, you have the unique ability to approach each patient with a completely fresh slate - no pre-existing relationship. Each patient is a chance to be compassionate and provide the best healing experience possible without reservation or bias. He said that when he is in a surgery, he practices compassion by putting himself in the patient's shoes and ensuring that they get the best treatment possible in that short amount of time. Administering medication and monitoring vital signs may seem like apathetic tasks, but simply paying careful attention and being intentional about how the anesthesia is administered is an act of compassion.
In an uncertain time when it can be difficult to connect with others, I think of my conversation with this anesthesiologist. And I believe his is a lesson that we can apply beyond medicine. As we "shelter in place", how can we approach each precious interaction - be it a Zoom meeting, a wave to our neighbor across the street, or texts with friends - with simple, intentional compassion? Can we put ourselves in someone else's shoes, and ask ourselves what the best way to care for them might be? Are we willing to take up a penpal or deliver groceries, if it means someone's week, day, or hour will improve? Is a smile the best we have to offer today?
My hope is that we all find ways to continue practicing compassion with every interaction amidst the pandemic, however fleeting or distant.