The Poetry in Geriatric Medicine

For the last 30 years I have been writing about my work in geriatric medicine. It is in the poetry where one most clearly hears the human voices — my own and in those to whom I have ministered. The writing has provided me with valuable insights into why I chose medicine, specifically geriatrics, as my life’s work. I believe that the act of writing these poems, of highlighting, of memorializing these experiences, has kept me centered. I h ave also realized that the work of reflecting on my day in and day out doctoring life — whether these experiences be banal, or upsetting, or sublime — has nurtured my empathic responsiveness and made me a better physician and a better person.
Source: Caring for the Ages - Category: Health Management Authors: Tags: Meditations on geriatric medicine Source Type: news