Words of advice

Today, seemed like a normal day. Rounds at the Bayview Rehabilitation center was the morning task and I was looking forward to learning how things were different from back home. I rounded with an OT (Occupational Therapist) for an hour when she took me towards the speech pathologist's office. Excited as can be I introduced myself to both her and the patient, wanting to have a closer look at what was at some point my Plan B career. Mr. O is a >65 year old man who has had major medical issues; tongue cancer, and a stroke in his brainstem, both clear indicators that this man would have problems with swallowing and speech, of course, throughout his life. Mr. O tries to do as best he can blurting out a yes or no with some hesitation and lots of work. He relies on an alphabet card pointing towards every letter to spell out what he wants to express. I smile as he waves back presenting some Parkinson in his right hand. The speech pathologist explains his case; his speech muscles have deteriorated due to his previous conditions and are unable to get better because he needs to have a device set in his trachea at all times to help with swallowing. I felt terrible for this man, who seemed so eager to communicate with us both.

It was now time for him to wait outside, until the physical therapist was able to take care of his other needs. The speech pathologist says goodbye, turns to him and asks; "Hey, Mr. O, do you have any advice for Cristina? I know you've seen a lot of doctors in your lifetime." Mr. O looks at me with his piercing blue eyes, extends his right hand towards the alphabet card, and slowly spells..."B..E.....P..A..T..I..E..N..T"

My heart dropped and my eyes teared. It was then when I again understood why I want to be a doctor, it was also then when I was committed to Mr. O's words.