Grateful to Practitioners

  When we get really sick…some part of us is broken and not functioning properly, whether it’s our teeth or another part of our bodies, we typically run to someone in some facet of health care.  A click on health care will take you to Wikipedia’s article where you can get some understanding as to how intricate and far reaching this field really goes.  Just watching the debate that raged in the United States recently when major health care overhaul was taken up by their elected leaders underscores the complexities of what has evolved over time as a huge industry.

My purpose with this post is not to debate all of the various pros and cons of any system or compare the efficacy of one country’s methods versus another country’s method of doing things.  Rather, I want to point out the human factor involved in that industry and raise a bit of awareness along those lines.  Recently, when a family member’s beloved physician died suddenly at the age of 59, my cynicism toward that group was dealt quite a blow.  Their death, despite them being in what appeared to be excellent physical shape, rattled me a bit and got me thinking of the price many who choose the medical field endure.

Long hours, crazy work schedules, exposure to all sorts of sickness, high stress from dealing with desperate people, intense pressures from all sides, legal challenges, government demands, medical malpractice insurance costs, the demands of a personal life, sleep deprivation and on and on and on….well, it’s no wonder that the mortality rate in most jobs within health care is significantly less than the general population.  They often make more money…sometimes a lot more money than most professions.  But they don’t necessarily live a better lifestyle or quality of life.  And in general they don’t live longer.

So, why do they do it?  No doubt some get into the field because of the allure of the pay.  But not everyone.  My spouse is in the medical profession and I know without any doubt that they were genuinely motivated to help people.  That’s it.  They really wanted to help people out who were suffering and struggling physically.  Like for all of us, my how times and things have changed in the last decade or so.  What started out as a labor of love has evolved into an almost daily question by them of “how do I survive?”  Honestly, I think it’s sad!

And the demands seem to be ever increasing.  Government regulations, insurance company demands, an aging population with the baby boomers beginning to hit retirement, and more people needing the services of fewer qualified practitioners are some of the things taking their toll on the industry and individuals within it.  Speaking of individuals, what was your experience like when you last visited the lab for tests, the dentist, the emergency room, eye doctor, or physician?  Did you have to wait or were you ushered right on it?  How many different members of the staff did you end up talking with before actually seeing your doctor?  Was there time for getting your questions answered?  Did you feel truly cared for or more rushed through a system?

I ask all these questions because it highlights our perspective.  But what about theirs?  Looking back on a specific incident I had when I was really seriously ill, I can tell you that I sure was glad to be in the hands of a capable group of doctors, surgeons, and all the many people behind the scenes that I rarely give any thought to.  I was thrilled some big company had invented the laser scalpel.  The high prices of the various drugs I was administered didn’t seem to matter too much when my life was in the balance.  I was delighted that the drug companies invested in the research to come up with the new fix.  For me, it’s pretty easy to be critical when I’m detached and without need.  But when I really needed it, I was thrilled the people I was looking to to solve my medical issues were there to help.

There’s a lot involved, more than we see at the surface, with those who have chosen the healthcare, lab & life science fields.  They’re not gods, although sometimes a few act like it, and we treat them as if they were.  I do know that I am sincerely grateful to have them around when I need the help.  And I’m going to make every effort to treat them like that on regular and routine visits when I am not in a desperate condition and need.

Chelsea at the dentist, 6 cavities =D