How are we supposed to deal with death?

December 2012, three days before Christmas. It started as an ordinary day, but soon it would become the turning point of my career. As I entered my office, I noticed a different energy in the room. The receptionist looked at me and said, “Doc, one of your patients died last night.” As a psychiatrist, I am not used to the feelings generated when someone you cared for, passes in the prime of their life. I had just seen him the week before. I rush to look at my last progress note that read: “Even though the patient is deeply grieving the loss of his wife, he firmly denies suicidal thoughts and finds strength in taking care of his two little children.” The memory of two little ones that I had met only through photos rushed through my mind. I would like to believe that experiencing death makes me a better a physician. It makes more careful, more thorough and more caring. I have seen my late patient’s face many times in other people, and I want to believe that he has helped me prevent other deaths. I truly think that experiencing death has made me a better physician. Has it also made me a better person? That is debatable. Continue reading ... Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Physician Psychiatry Source Type: blogs