Wounded Healers

Since yesterday I was having moderately-grade fever, cough, and body malaise. Well, it's been a while since the last time I got sick. Surely, going to the hospital almost everday would expose one to a lot of illnesses.

It just shows that we, doctors, are not superhuman beings.

I know of a medical intern who has cerebral palsy since birth. He's about to take the medical board exam in the near future. (And he is even married with one kid).

I had a doctor-professor, a pediatrician hematologist-oncologist, who suffered from poliomyelitis. She has difficulty in standing for a long time that's why she lectured to us sitting down. She's always with a cane.

I met a medical internist who is one of the best in his field. He's probably between 65-70 years old and he is undergoing dialysis due to failing kidneys. He still continues to attend small lectures and conferences to impart his knowledge though he had to be brought in with a wheelchair.

And there are many others who may not be suffering from physical ailments but is battling emotional, financial, spiritual sickness.

Again, we are not superhuman beings. We are very much susceptible to the many adversities of life, just like any other people.

But we continue to take part in the healing process. This is our commitment, no matter what.