Add a Dose of Kindness in Healthcare

Today I am inspired to write about being kind.  

Unfortunately, the world of medicine is not always kind, nor is our society today.  While I was recently on call, I had the pleasure of being the sixth doctor called to admit a patient.  It was 11pm on a Friday.  The patient had a new complicated problem on top of a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis.  The ER physician had spent hours looking for a specialist to help the patient with little success. 

I am working at a new hospital and I had just met this physician an hour or so before.  He called asking, “Can you help me?” I replied, “Of course.” The patient’s problem was complicated, but the treatment was not.  Her situation was grave and required some tough conversations.

She was not a candidate for surgery to fix her issue.  Her problem may indeed be fatal. I could not fix the situation with surgery, but I could help.  I think that I did.  I was honest, kind, and compassionate.  I took the time.

I hope she has some comfort in my words although they were not what she and her family wanted to hear. 

There are many things in life that are inconvenient, that we don’t want to do, that are difficult to do, or just seem to be not our responsibility.  Behind all of our scenarios are people.  People who just want to be treated well with honesty and respect.  Take the time to remember this story when you are inconvenienced. Take a deep breath and remember to be kind.

“There are many things in life that are inconvenient, that we don’t want to do, that are difficult to do, or just seem to be not our responsibility.  Behind all of our scenarios are people.  People who just want to be treated well with honesty and respect.  Take the time to remember this story when you are inconvenienced. Take a deep breath and remember to be kind.”  – Dr. Cindy Geocaris

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18 comments
KjGiuliani says February 19, 2019

This is who you are. This is who you have always been. You are your Fathers Daughter. Proud to be able to say we have been on the recieving end of your kindness when we were in need, and also was proud any time I had you collaborate with our E.R. patients in need of your expertise. KjGiuliani

Reply
    Dr. Cindy Geocaris says October 3, 2019

    Thank you Kathy! Miss seeing you and working with you!

    Reply
Kim says February 19, 2019

Thanks for sharing !!! I hope there are more like you in this world that just CARE.

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    Dr. Cindy Geocaris says October 3, 2019

    Thanks Kim!

    Reply
Susan says February 19, 2019

The practice of humanism…this is exactly what the field of medicine needs today. Thank you for the courage to share your story, and the strength to make the world a better place. You inspire me as a provider, Dr. Cindy!

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    Dr. Cindy Geocaris says October 3, 2019

    Thanks Susan! Miss seeing you

    Reply
Elizabeth Charles says February 20, 2019

This is amazing! All people deserve respect and honesty. We all need to stop, take a minute and treat people with kindness and compassion

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    Dr. Cindy Geocaris says October 3, 2019

    Thank you Elizabeth! Miss you

    Reply
Ann DuFresne says February 20, 2019

Beautiful and great words to live by Cindy. Thank you!

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    Dr. Cindy Geocaris says October 3, 2019

    Thank you!!!

    Reply
Laure Kline says February 20, 2019

This came across FB this morning. I’m actually in the O.R. And several colleagues saw it, too. Brings back great memories. You are so well loved & respected around WI. Keep spreading your expertise and your kindness. It makes a difference.

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    Dr. Cindy Geocaris says October 3, 2019

    Miss seeing you Laure!

    Reply
Julie says February 22, 2019

Thank you Dr. Geocaris for this reminder. Thank you for giving your time to others in need. You are a special person.

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    Dr. Cindy Geocaris says October 3, 2019

    Thank you for reading my blog!

    Reply
Lisa Konitzer says April 19, 2019

Are you at another hospital

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    Dr. Cindy Geocaris says October 3, 2019

    you can find me at Surgical Associates of Neenah

    Reply
Socopa Corretora says June 22, 2019

Excellent way of describing, and fastidious post to obtain data on the
topic of my presentation subject, which i am going to deliver in school.

Reply
    Dr. Cindy Geocaris says October 3, 2019

    Thank you for such kind comments

    Reply
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