Surgeons, those to take part in “the treatment of injuries or disorders of the body by incision or manipulation,” are some of the most prized doctors in modern society. With the disturbing rise of cancer; heart, kidney, and liver failure; and various other diseases, modern medicine and surgery are beginning to be “considered a global health priority” (Unite for Sight). Medical schools know the importance of creating quality physicians, surgeons, and nurses, and work to inspire these prospective doctors. One particular poem by Emily Dickinson is often snuck into medical literature. It says,
Surgeons must be very careful
When they take the knife!
Underneath their fine incisions
Stirs the Culprit—Life!
This poem could typically be found preceding …show more content…
Medicine can be seen as a craft. In some ways, one can take up medicine, just as one takes up knitting or gardening. This craft is not a hobby, nor is the product physical such as a flower garden or a scarf. It is something physicians eventually give back to patients and their families. There is eventually a time in every surgeon's career when only science cannot subside suffering or renew life: Surgeries may go wrong, or a prescription drug may have fatal side effects. In such cases, “the strict practitioner of medical science has nothing more to offer” (Kirkpatrick). But a practitioner in the art of healing “always has something to offer in the form of attention, compassion, empathy and even wisdom” (Kirkpatrick). But there is a problem. The craft of medicine is rarely remembered by medical students, “either because students see or respect only the technical skills of their superiors or because superiors lack or do not value artistic skills” (Groninger). Although medicine is a funny craft, it is necessary for patients and families. Well-supported patients may lose their trust in their practitioners as their diseases progress and they receive no compassion. Without such compassion from their healer, they suffer
Surgeons must be very careful
When they take the knife!
Underneath their fine incisions
Stirs the Culprit—Life!
This poem could typically be found preceding …show more content…
Medicine can be seen as a craft. In some ways, one can take up medicine, just as one takes up knitting or gardening. This craft is not a hobby, nor is the product physical such as a flower garden or a scarf. It is something physicians eventually give back to patients and their families. There is eventually a time in every surgeon's career when only science cannot subside suffering or renew life: Surgeries may go wrong, or a prescription drug may have fatal side effects. In such cases, “the strict practitioner of medical science has nothing more to offer” (Kirkpatrick). But a practitioner in the art of healing “always has something to offer in the form of attention, compassion, empathy and even wisdom” (Kirkpatrick). But there is a problem. The craft of medicine is rarely remembered by medical students, “either because students see or respect only the technical skills of their superiors or because superiors lack or do not value artistic skills” (Groninger). Although medicine is a funny craft, it is necessary for patients and families. Well-supported patients may lose their trust in their practitioners as their diseases progress and they receive no compassion. Without such compassion from their healer, they suffer