Celebrate National Doctor’s Day? I’m in. These folks deserve a day of honor. Why?
- Long days and sometimes into the night in hospital and clinic.
- Hours of paperwork after time spent with their patients.
- Calming the fears of their patients.
- After hours calls from concerned patients.
- Putting back together diseased, damaged body parts.
- Comforting family members concerned about loved ones.
- Continued study and refresher courses to maintain licenses, expand knowledge, and improve skills.
The list is exhaustive. The profession is noble. The talent is admirable.
A Personal Note of Gratitude to Doctors
I want to share a personal note of gratitude. My professional life has always focused on education. I was accustomed to interaction was with students, parents, colleagues, and administrators. My professional life took on a different role after a second breast cancer diagnosis, double mastectomy, and successful DIEP flap breast reconstruction. I felt it was important to educate others about what the medical profession has to offer those facing mastectomy.
My new profession chose me instead of me choosing my new profession. I was led to it by my breast cancer diagnosis. I began by writing about my experience through a blog. Opening a nonprofit Foundation followed. I soon became a patient advocate. All of these experiences involved engagement on various levels with doctors.
The Doctors on my Team
Oncologists, radiologists, primary care, breast surgeons, and plastic surgeons were part of my health care team from diagnosis to completion of surgery after breast cancer and a double mastectomy. I spent time discussing my plan to regain and reclaim my body that was altered and affected again by breast cancer.
They listened to me, consoled me, and were patient with my anger and dismay of being diagnosed again with cancer. These doctors hugged me on the good days and handed me a tissue to wipe my tears and wrapped me in a warm blanket when I sat shivering from fear on the bad days.
New Friendships Formed Through Advocacy
I became involved with the specialty of plastic surgeons and sub-specialty of micro-surgeons who rebuild breast. I attended their annual conference not knowing how to navigate the intense days and sessions of learning.
These compassionate plastic surgeons embraced this fledgling patient advocate. I never felt dismissed, dismayed, or disillusioned about what we could accomplish together. These doctors approached me with curiosity, wonder, and gratitude for being part of our combined mission to educate more patients about the process of breast reconstruction. They showed me the ropes at the conferences and explained things I didn’t understand.
Doctors on the Journey
When I asked them to be part of the Journey Facebook group they willingly said yes. Knowing how busy their lives are at work and with their families, I vowed to not pester them often for questions. But there they were, once again, stepping up to the plate to be part of a broader mission outside themselves.
When a patient asks a question, I am not sure how to respond to, I reach out to these doctors for an answer. They reassure us with their expertise. We feel comforted knowing they are there. We respect their presence and value their time.
Their commitment to answer questions and share what they know with the breast cancer and breast reconstruction community has never wavered. When I ask, they respond and when I make suggestions, they listen. They spend hours outside of their professional lives helping me make videos.
The Human Side of a Doctor
They open up and show me the human side of being a doctor by sharing their own personal stories. Their smiles light up a room when they talk about their children, spouses, and stories of friendship and fun outside of their professional lives. We laugh together, learn together, break bread together, hug each other when we meet at conferences and hug when we bid each other farewell.
I owe them a debt of gratitude on National Doctor’s Day. Thank you for choosing to be a doctor and changing the lives of so many in such a positive way. Now go put your feet up and relax. You deserve a little time off!
