Patient Perspectives: Lessons Learned from Doctors and Nurses

While my professional journey includes roles as a doctor and nurse, my experience as a patient has taught me invaluable lessons that I now share with both healthcare providers and patients alike. These insights reveal the profound impact of living with and managing chronic conditions like Multiple Sclerosis (MS), as well as the importance of the human touch in healthcare.

Administering Care with Empathy

During my time as a patient, I faced the challenge of educating healthcare staff about managing my Trulicity automated syringe injection. Initially, I needed to instruct nurses who had never encountered this particular syringe before. This experience underscored the critical importance of clear communication and patience in patient care. It highlighted the need for healthcare providers to adapt and learn to serve their patients effectively, even when faced with unfamiliar medical equipment.

The Two Types of People with Disease

One of the profound lessons I have learned from my experience with MS is the distinction between two types of people who live with their diseases: those who live with their disease and those who live in their disease. Those who live with their disease find a way to incorporate the illness into their lives without allowing it to consume them. I actively choose to be grateful for the days I walk and embrace all aspects of my life, from walking to using a wheelchair, recognizing the privilege of each stage.

Empathy and Interpersonal Skills

Another life lesson emerged during my internship when a nurse approached me about two older patients who were giving her a hard time. Impressed by my newfound status as a doctor, I attempted to assert authority and solve the conflict. Instead, one of the patients, in a profound moment, told me, "Somma day you gonna be old." Standing in my place, I realized that my efforts to intervene were misguided. This experience taught me the paramount importance of empathy, human connection, and understanding in our interactions with patients.

These moments have shaped not only my professional outlook but also my personal philosophy towards managing a chronic condition. By cultivating a mindset of gratitude and acceptance, I have found ways to navigate the challenges of MS and contribute positively to the healthcare community.

Conclusion

The journey of a patient is a unique lens through which to view the healthcare system, and it offers profound lessons for both practitioners and patients alike. By sharing these experiences, I hope to inspire a greater sense of empathy, understanding, and interconnectedness in the healthcare community.