Medical decisions – the illusion of control

This is a very short story about a baby bird, a yoga mom and a hawk. I tell it because it made me think about the disordered way we think of healthcare decisions. **** The neighborhood is one of old brick houses, cracked cement sidewalks and tall trees. What was once a suburb is now a city neighborhood. What was once a community of older folks is now one of young couples and children. There is money here. There is education here. This is not the 1% but maybe the 2.4%. The fit young mother dressed in yoga pants and a bright-colored top was pushing a jogging stroller with two children. A typical image in the land of the educated and tall trees and brick houses. It was a peaceful morning walk when the baby bird appeared next to the sidewalk with cracks. The mom stopped and swiveled the stroller so her offspring could bear witness to the cuteness. It was a zoo moment. It was tranquil. Then it happened. The hawk was big and brown and muscular. She came from nowhere. Her talons were sharp and effective. Though strong, the hawk struggled against gravity to elevate with the extra weight. The delay was an opportunity. It was the moment in which the woman with the stroller and colored top and yoga pants tried to intervene. Surely she, of the influential 2.4%, could change the course of the event—of nature. Here was a wrong that must be righted. The baby bird’s punctured lung and viscera could be un-done. The talons removed, the hawk reprimanded, the innocent baby restored to its fo...
Source: Dr John M - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: blogs