Abstract: This manuscript is dedicated to doctors everywhere who provide quality health care. Like my beloved doctor, they probably practice medicine quietly out of the spotlight. They are entitled to our utmost respect. Dedicated individuals who are called to be healers deserve recognition and rarely receive it. My prayer is that this article evokes positive emotions in both doctors and their patients. Validation of feelings is essential for effective health care in today's high-tech approach to medicine. While technology is a tremendous tool, an interpersonal relationship between doctor and patient is paramount. That pivotal communication forms the very basis for quality care. Computers and high-tech equipment can never replace the sensitive touch of a caring physician as he tenderly holds the hand of a frightened patient.
For the past ten years, I have been the managing editor of Wichita Falls Medicine. My employer is Dr. V.C. Saied, an anesthesiologist, who serves as the magazine's editor. He earned my respect immediately with his quiet composure, subtle sense of humor, and sincere dedication. He always "makes time" when we have a crisis with our publication. Calmly, he settles situations that have me in a frenzy. I knew the kind of person he was, and recently I had occasion to discover what kind of doctor he is.
I entered the hospital on a brisk fall morning for a simple hernia repair. My surgeon had predicted a 5 inch incision, and I would be dismissed the following day. I asked Dr. Saied to administer my anesthesia. He agreed.
The early surgeries ran long over their anticipated time frames. I was scheduled for 9:30 a.m., and I was finally taken to the surgical suite at 12:30 p.m. The surgery was more complicated than expected, and the length of my incision was 16 inches! I awoke in severe pain to see Dr. Saied at my side. In the background, I saw a clock that read 4:20 p.m.! Dr. Saied was to receive the "Distinguished Service Award" from our county medical society at 6:00 p.m. He stayed by my side all afternoon during a surgery that routinely would have been over in a few minutes. His children had arrived from out of town to share this special day with him. Yet there he sat steadfastly at my side until he knew I was out of danger and out of pain. He missed the opportunity to spend precious moments with his family before the ceremony. In fact, he almost missed the entire evening because of the complications I had experienced. He could have easily turned my care over to a resident doctor or another colleague, but he chose to remain with me. Dr. Saied went far beyond his official duty on what was meant to be his special day. Just a tiny indication of why the medical society chose him to be an honored recipient of the "Distinguished Service Award."
Two weeks after my surgery, more complications developed including a blood clot and a bacterial infection. I was readmitted to the hospital, and told that the mesh used to secure the hernia repair would have to be removed because of the infection. The incision would be left open to heal from the inside. The entire hernia repair would have to be repeated in the future. The surgeon's words pierced my body as if they were his scalpel. Tears were streaming down my face, my hands were trembling, and pain screamed from every fiber of my being. I was scared and confused. Then came Dr. Saied's reassuring voice, no matter what happened he would be there for me. The doctors did agree that the removal of the mesh could be postponed until I regained my strength. Dr. Saied put aside his textbook knowledge and listened to my feelings. He knew I was frightened, and he did everything he could to help ease my fears. Before leaving for his long overdue winter vacation to another state, he gave me his phone number and assured me it was OK to call him at anytime. One day when my pain was at an all time high, I did call. He was not the least bit angry or irritated when I interrupted his holiday. He talked to me at length and explained the pain was going to continue for a long time. It was not good news, but at least I knew the intensity of the pain did not mean something was terribly wrong. The antibiotics were keeping the infection under control while I struggled to regain strength.
Upon his return, the Jan/Feb issue of our magazine was in the final stages. I was too ill to go to the office. Instead, Dr. Saied came to my home. We put together an entire issue from my living room sofa! Not only is that a sign of a flexible understanding employer, it also reflects his sensitivity to the needs of others.
While I was extremely ill, several friends gathered for a special prayer. As they prayed for healing, I felt intense confirmation of God's presence and action. My heart knew that His unconditional love, miraculous powers, and healing grace had touched my wounded body and healed it. The additional surgery was never needed!
Did I receive a miracle healing or was I just one of the lucky few who recover from an infection without additional surgery? Only God knows the answer, but my belief is He sent a miracle "special delivery" through the loving care of my friends and doctors. Dr. Saied ended each of our magazine work sessions, with these words, "I do not think the mesh will have to be removed." Those comforting words brought inexplicable peace. In his own way, he unknowingly helped me believe God had indeed sent me a miracle healing. As he left my home one day, Dr. Saied turned and said, "I will pray for you. You pray for me." That day I learned he had been in excruciating pain due to a neck injury. Through his own pain and suffering, he had been an unwavering tower of strength for me! My life has been blessed beyond measure.
A dedicated physician provided me with excellent health care during a time of need. Listening to my silent cries of desperation, he gave me constant reassurance. He is my employer and my friend, but I did not receive special treatment because he knew me. He has volunteered his talents to total strangers on numerous mission trips to foreign countries. His compassion, empathy, and understanding make him a dedicated physician personified. As he trains resident physicians, may they be inspired by his exemplary practice of medicine.
editor@medmag.org