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Navigating Life as a Doctor and a Mom
As a physician and a mother, I often stumble across articles from fellow doctors expressing their frustrations. They voice their disillusionment with the healthcare system and the pressure of patient satisfaction surveys. Many feel overwhelmed by patients arriving with pre-diagnosed conditions, armed with information from “WebMD,” and demanding specific tests. It’s easy to relate to their sentiments, but what we rarely discuss is what keeps us in this profession.
Moments of Connection
Take, for example, my patient in room 7, a 10-week pregnant woman who is convinced she’s miscarrying. Distracted by her adorable 2-year-old daughter with curly blonde hair, she tries to stay composed. Unfortunately, our tests confirm her fears. As I relay the heartbreaking news, I see her struggle to hide her emotions behind a brave smile for her little one. I sit beside her, holding her hand, attempting to offer comfort. When she squeezes my hand before I leave, I know I’ve made a connection.
In room 1, I encounter a 92-year-old woman nearing the end of her life. Surrounded by her family, she has chosen to forgo further treatment to cherish her final moments at home. Her son, filled with sorrow, asks me to ensure his mother passes with dignity. We turn off the machines and create a serene environment, allowing her to be enveloped by love and memories. Her daughter clings to a necklace we had to remove earlier, softly calling out for her mom. I fumble as I try to help her put the necklace back on, feeling the weight of her grief.
A month later, I receive a holiday card from her son, adorned with evergreens and a cardinal. It’s a poignant reminder of the impact we have on families during their most challenging times. “Thank you for allowing my mother to die with dignity,” it reads. I treasure this card, along with other memories of my patients, as they bring me solace.
Shared Struggles
In room 11, a pair of first-time parents brings in their 3-month-old son, who won’t stop crying. They’ve exhausted all options and find themselves in the emergency department at 2 a.m. Despite thorough examinations, we find nothing physically wrong. I share my own experience of sleepless nights with my son, and we bond over the shared struggles of parenting. Their laughter is a lovely reminder that they’re not alone, even if their baby is still crying.
The truth is, I entered medicine believing that hard work and knowledge would help people during their most vulnerable moments. Now, I realize that it’s really about the connections we build with patients. Balancing my life as a doctor with being a mother requires effort, and I often feel the tug of burnout. However, those powerful moments—like a squeeze of a hand or a heartfelt card—reset my perspective and remind me why I keep going.
Resources for Expecting Parents
If you’re interested in more about home insemination, check out this post about Pregnancy and Home Insemination. For insights on boosting fertility, visit Make a Mom. Additionally, Mount Sinai offers excellent resources for anyone navigating pregnancy challenges.
Conclusion
In summary, the journey as a physician and mother is filled with challenges and rewards. Each experience shapes us, reminding us of the precious connections we make along the way.