A message to our future doctors
Joyce
Joyce mentioned how, following a lengthy illness and recovery she had said, slightly regretfully to the doctor whom she felt she owed so much – I expect I won’t see you now! He had replied – ‘You don’t need to be ill to come and see me!’. Not an individual who would take advantage of this sensitive response – Joyce was very touched and felt secure in her G.P.’s holistic care.
Joyce’s image was of a heart, a ‘listening ear’ and a smile – she said ‘just one smile is enough – this may be the only smile that patient will get all day!’
When this text was shared with the Bristol intercalated medical students in a creative workshop – one of the group fashioned a clay smile in response.
Brooklea Creative Arts for Health Group
I particularly liked this work of art as it expressed a very relatable feeling in a patient, one day motivated me to enter medical school in fact. There is an immense amount gratitude that has no proper outlet to be expressed when it comes to recovery from an illness. It shows how much of an impact a doctor can have on someones life, and how the profession is more than just a profession.
This artwork stood out for me because it highlights the human connection that is so important to many patients in the doctor-patient relationship. It is interesting that what stood out most to the patient is not that the doctor was able to aid her recovery, but that she felt listened to, cared for, and ‘secure’ in her relationship with the doctor. I feel this is a good reminder that although medical knowledge treats the disease, kindness and compassion treats the person.