We all have crappy days. Sometimes things just don’t go right.
When that happens, nothing helps turn it around more than a simple "thank you" from a patient. Someone genuinely appreciates what you’re doing for them, and expresses gratitude (in words or writing). The written notes go into what a veterinarian friend of mine calls the "I don’t suck" drawer. I take them out and read them on bad days.
Courtesy Dr. Allan M. Block
The front is made out of blue jeans, and the little detail squares were made from a Hawaiian shirt.
Some patients bring gifts. They’re never necessary, but always appreciated. Sometimes it’s food, occasionally a book. One very nice lady always brings a gift card. These are the things that remind you why you came to medicine so many years ago.
During my third year of medical school, I had a rotation at the Omaha Veteran’s Affairs hospital. I spent a lot of time talking to a nice, but sick, old farmer named Lon. He went home after a week, but came back the next day with a bag full of corn from his farm. He wanted me to have it, and said it was to thank me. That was the first time this had ever happened to me, and it felt wonderful.
Last week, a regular patient came in for his annual follow-up. One of those in which the visit is more a friendly chat than a medical talk. I’ve always liked seeing this couple, but this time they’d done something very special: They made me a quilt.
Any gift is nice. But this couple had put extra effort into this, to make it personal to me. And it feels great. It reminds me, again, why I became a doctor. And why I stay here.
Courtesy Dr. Allan M. Block
The pattern on the back of the quilt resembles an EEG.
The front is made out of blue jeans, and the little detail squares were made from a Hawaiian shirt. My patients know my fondness for wearing Aloha garb. They also picked a pattern for the back that resembled an EEG.
Thank you. You guys are awesome.
Most days the good patients outnumber the bad by a huge margin, but just aren’t as vocal. It’s always good to keep that perspective in mind.
And it feels great when thoughtful patients let you know you’re appreciated, regardless of how they say "thank you."
Dr. Block has a solo neurology practice in Scottsdale, Ariz.