A Doctor’s Diary
When your mundane life gets hit by a Pandemic and the world shuts down, gaining logical insights, thorough knowledge of facts and fulfilling your responsibilities is the only way out.
I have been looked up to, for various ailments. I have been a part of almost everyone’s life, at some point in time. I might be a surgeon, a gynaecologist, a dentist, a neurologist, or even a PHD, involved in some genetics research. My profession is often considered as the most humble profession since time immemorial. When a patient is cured, a doctor is credited, at least I would like to believe so. Because often I hear people saying, “Thank God for the successful surgery.” But, honestly, we never mind. The agenda of utmost importance is the well being of my patient.
Not to forget those days, when the only people staying up all night for the patient, were not just their family members. Yes, I have had sleepless nights too. They say it’s not good for a doctor to get attached to their patients. But I wish I could tell them, that we are dealing with human life.
I would be lying if I’d say, it has been a smooth journey so far. Having to deal with people from varied backgrounds, some highly educated while others not so fortunate. Nevertheless, it has taught me the virtue of patience. Yes, believe me, you. I have learned, there is nothing that cannot be dealt with patience.
Moving on…A patient-doctor relationship is something I would like to throw some light on. I have seen my patients, having blind faith in me. Surrendering themselves completely, so that we can take charge. They are like those small offsprings, relying on their mother to keep them safe. No, I am not exaggerating. My patients give me their full trust, while I give them my unmoved attention and dedicated treatment. I will always take a sigh of relief, after I perform a successful surgery, no matter how many I have performed till now. That’s how it is. It’s basic. It’s pure. It’s divine.
Life was as usual and I was practising routine consultations. Suddenly, came in the news about Covid-19 and how it has started to impact the World. Being a doctor, it was of immense importance for me to get acquainted with the know-how of the virus. I read and read and kept on reading about the virus through multiple sources. Attended all the seminars, workshops, webinars etc that were taking place. More than half of the world is observing quarantine or lockdown. But all of us know, lockdown cannot last forever. The only way out is to contain the outbreak. Yes, Social Distancing. That is the only way to go about it.
My eyes are fixated on the increasing number of Covid-19 cases around the globe. I cannot begin to explain, how heart-wrenching it is, to see people suffer and lose their lives. I work in the private sector, therefore, wasn’t called for government duty. Being a doctor, I knew the time had come, for me to help those in need. Initially, I had certain inhibitions. What about myself? I, too, have a family. I too must stay away from the potential risks. Coming back home from a medical facility would increase the risk for my family. The dilemma was growing deeper.
I had sleepless nights again. But this time, they weren’t for any patient in the ICU whom I have to operate upon. They were because of the thoughts racing in my mind. I did not become a doctor so that when the time comes I could take a step back. Am I not liable? Of course, I am. I shall do my bit. I shall not refuse to treat my patients. I shall continue giving the services that are to the best of my capabilities. After all, I know, the trust that I talked about, shall always stay…