Sunday, August 27, 2006

A Polish Patient

Somedays I have certain patient interactions that remind me of why I love medicine. Last week I had one such encounter that sticks out in my mind. He was an elderly gentleman, and he spoke with a thick Polish accent that immediately reminded me of my relatives. When I asked him how old he was when he got married, he said "44--thats when I got to old to chase the ladies anymore".

At the end of the interview he asked me when I finished medical school. Next spring I told him. "Next spring eh," he replied. "Well can you be my doctor then? I'd love to have you as my doctor." I had to tell him that it would be at few more years before I could be a specialist, so it would be a bit of a longer wait.

It is so gratifying when patients give you positive feedback. Sometimes that is more rewarding than good feedback from a preceptor.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Yes. It is fabulous to get the positive feedback. Isn't it amazing how ones heritage stays with us. A person can empathize quickly with someone who shares the a similar history... Sounds like all is going well.