A kind publisher from HarperCollins sent me a complimentary copy of Katherine Rosman’s book “If You Knew Suzy”. An article by her in the Wall Street Journal received a huge response from the medical community and he figured I might be interested in her book.

He was right.

As most readers know, my experiences with death and dying on the hospital wards has been extremely personal and personally enlightening. Interactions with specific patients have brought up questions about my future place in palliative or hospice care as well as insights to my own capabilities and limitations of compassion. I think that part of the training to become a great doctor includes lessons in awareness of the feelings of others, how to read them, and how to provide what they need.

As we learned firsthand, a kind bedside manner is not merely a quaint characteristic you hope for in a family doctor. A doctor’s attitude toward a patient and the patient’s family colors every moment of a health crisis. It can help a patient to heal, keep those of us who suffer alongside her saner and healthier, and lower costs.

And yet for all the advances in medical technology and research, simple kindness from health-care providers is all too rare. A recent survey conducted by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, which advocates for a respectful bedside manner, asked 600 people to describe their interactions with doctors. Twelve percent said they were taken care of by doctors who didn’t know their names. Twenty percent had met with doctors they found “rude or condescending.” Forty-seven percent said they had felt rushed by doctors.

~ “The Power of Compassion” by Katherine Rosman

Rosman’s mother died of lung cancer. Her book is a journey and a memoir. It’s a reporter following leads and a daughter opening doors.

I was thankful the book arrived just in time for Mother’s Day. How appropriate. I’m thankful that I haven’t yet lost my mother and this book made me appreciate the shortcomings and successes of our relationship.

It was also a good reminder that the fragile little lady in the ICU is someone’s mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, or aunt.

You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.