What happened 33 years ago changed this physician forever

It has been a struggle to get out of my own way. I’m sure many of you have the same feeling. My health and well-being have suffered mightily from the stress of taking care of others in my work as a physician. I have not taken care of myself. Period. My career does not make me unique in this situation, as the patients I treat every day suffer from similar emotions of frustration and despair. Many of them are trapped in far more serious situations, with truly life-threatening diseases, and they see no visible way out. They are losing, or have lost, hope. I went for a walk today to clear my mind and ponder my path forward. I glanced at my watch and realized to my dismay that today it had been 33 years — almost to the minute — since my life was changed forever. The moment the school secretary took 12-year-old me from Mr. Rhodes’ classroom, down seemingly endless hallways to the principal’s office. Sitting there was my father and our dear family friend, Nancy. The only words I remember from that day are, “Your mother has gone to be with God.” After that — void. When I was younger, I would dread May 7 starting weeks in advance. It represented the wrecking ball that tore down the walls of my childhood. It represented the sudden, inescapable knowledge that mortality is real and my innocence was lost. It tormented me and tortured my mind. Continue reading ... Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media...
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Physician Hospital-Based Medicine Hospitalist Source Type: blogs