In the May-June issue of Family Practice Management, one of the poems included in my latest book, Recapturing Joy in Medicine, was published. I am thrilled this poem has resonated with thousands of physicians across the country. I was inspired to write it after becoming a patient and experiencing the “other side” of healthcare. Like all of us, I long for the day when medicine returns to placing the patient-physician relationship at the center of all we do, with the high standards of care that are a foundational part of physician training in medical school, medical residency training, and medical fellowships.
I wrote it to inspire my colleagues to say, enough is enough, and stand up for our patients and high standards of care. Yes, this takes wisdom, discernment, and courage, and it is precisely what’s needed.
Here’s the link to the poem as it was published this week in Family Practice Management. I had published it previously on my first blog; the original version is here.
Stay encouraged, colleagues! Much is being accomplished by proactive physicians speaking up all over the country. Join us with your unique voice, and remember to be good to yourself!