I wanted to keep up with the hero posts. It may seem obvious that most people in the medical profession are heroes. But there are some people in medicine who go above amd beyond, who love what they do; and this shows in their compassion and dedication. A great doctor is not as easy to find as you may think. Doctors that can remain clinically objective and at the same time show genuine compassion and caring for each patient are even rarer. Great doctors such as these are heroes to individuals as well as all the medical profession. For they are the difference between a mere MD and a true healer.

A Great Doctor

I met my neurologist about 7 years ago when I was troubled with insomnia and migraines. This person (who will remain anonymous – see below) actually listened while two previous people  had rushed me in every visit. The other doctors took no time to listen and they had me come for visit after visit in pain and sleep deprived only to be hurried out and told that there was no reason for a referral. I finally, after almost 4 months, I got a referral and chose the neurologist that I did based on little more than blind luck. This doctor listened. He scheduled a 45 minute visit so I could explain everything and ask my questions. He did not rush me. Following that he carefully described  and wrote down for me a treatment plan in two stages. The first stage was to get me functional, sleeping and out of pain as quickly as possible. What he suggested worked and I was able to sleep with the medications prescribed. The medications he suggested for my headaches worked well to ”kill off” the migraines when they started. When I came to see him one month later he had the second phase ready. He had read up on the latest literature on cluster migraines and insomnia, and he suggested two therapeutic plans to reduce my migraines over time and to manage the insomnia without narcotics.

Long story short, his plan worked and my headaches became much less frequent and I was able to sleep far better than before. After 6 months I went from having migraines almost every day to once every month or two. He is a great doctor!

This man has also been there to help me with the management of chronic pain following spinal issues and has encouraged me in my facing of these health challenges. He has not just prescribed medication, but provided a positive attitude and the faithful encouragement that I can live a very productive life despite these challenges. He has congradulated me in improvements and been there for me in set backs. He has been a true healer and friend.

And he does all this with the selfless, self effacing attitude that it is “just his job” and no big deal. But I think it is a big deal. I think he is one of those silent heroes who works exceptionally hard for each patient to make sure they are getting the very best healthcare that he can give. I think he is one of those people who is doing exactly what he was meant to do. He is someone who can remain an objective healthcare professional while still providing warm, sincere compassion.

He is not just doing his job. He is living the life of a hero. But I am sure he would deny any greatness on his part. He’s just like that.

 

* Some heroes remain anonymous either at their request or my descretion. MM