Doctors are also patients. If you’ve not been a patient, you will. My family and I have been patients.
I am thankful for the doctors who have taken care of my family.
This year, while finishing our dinner, my 13 year old son had a generalized seizure. Josh had been seizure-free for eight years. I have witnessed scores of seizures, but when it’s your son, it’s different. I am thankful my son has his neurologist to treat him. He is kind and professional. He is wise and his judgment is sound. On occasion, he has given us one hour of his time for a routine fifteen minute visit. Time is one commodity he needs more of. He is a doctor’s doctor and I feel fortunate to know him.
My son is a “special needs” child. For years, my wife and I dreaded taking him to the dentist. We did not think a routine exam was possible sans sedation. We were wrong. His dentist is patient and competent. My son’s first exam and subsequent ones have been walks in the park. Still no cavities.
My son and his twin sister share the same pediatrician. He is also a doctor’s doctor. Smart, personable and always available. I mean always.
Next up – me. Last year, I ruptured a cervical disc. I am thankful my friend, a neurosurgeon, fixed me. I went home the same night. Back at work part-time the next day. On a bike in two weeks. I am thankful for his competence, judgment, and friendship.
There are others. I am thankful for all of them.
It’s not easy being a doctor. It requires extraordinary discipline and years of training. I could list a hundred reasons why someone would not want to be a doctor today. My family and I feel fortunate, in spite of these challenges, you still do what you do every day.
Thanks. I mean it.
The last 10 years of my medical career have been the most rewarding professionally as I was able to contribute a number of important surgical innovations to my field of ophthalmology and provide the best surgical results for my patients. Only another doctor can truly understand what a profound experience that is and how the countless years of hard work finally come to fruition and you finally understand what your purpose on this earth was. I love my profession now to a degree that I could not have envisined during med school but I would not want any of my nephews to pursue medicine today although my dad was a doctor also. It is simply too hard a road today for so many reasons. Sadly, the brightest minds amongst our next generation will be steered away from medical careers
Dr. Tartak, unfortunately, we hear too many doctors say the same thing; they would not recommend the profession of medicine to their children or family. I have two young sons and I worry what medical care will be available to them when they grow up. Thanks for all that you do.