By Tatiana Yeuchyk and Emily Snook
Perspective #1: New Medical Student
On this operative table, I see a man
Who has had fifty six years of life before this moment
Filled with experiences: happy, constructive, challenging
Who has three children, one of whom is overseas,
All of whom are waiting with bated breath by the phone.
I feel the immense responsibility of taking part in his care
The privilege to be privy to one of his most vulnerable moments
He is awake and I speak to him with the utmost respect
Then he is asleep – and I speak about him in the same manner
He has placed his trust in us and that feels invaluable
I will carry that duty throughout the case until he wakes again
And I greet him with a genuine smile once more
To tell him that everything went well, and he did great.
So that he can leave this hospital to live out the rest of his
Fifty sixth year and many more
Perspective #2: Surgical Resident
I need to order that bloodwork
Okay, this is the guy who came into clinic 2 weeks ago with his wife and daughter
Or is this the guy who came into clinic 4 months ago with no one
When this is done I need to check if that CT is back yet
Why is all the equipment at this hospital from the 70s
I hope the staff asks me this question
I hope the staff doesn’t ask me this question
This guy is like my dad’s age
I should call my dad after this and see how he’s doing
He’ll ask how I’m doing
I’ll say fine
I’m tired and I’m doubting myself and I’m tired and I’m fine
But it’s all worth it
For that look on a patient’s face when you tell them it went well
Is this the guy who worked for the transit commission
Or is the guy who retired from being an accountant last year
I can’t forget those discharge summaries
There was a time when I promised myself
That I would stay shiny and sweet and know it all
That was me
And that’s still me
It’s just buried under reminders and outcome stats and memories of all the times
Things haven’t gone as planned
And right now
I don’t have time to find it because
I have to pay attention