Over the break I started writing this piece that I want to submit to a medical journal. Its a medical student perspective on one the patient encouners I had while OB rotation. I wrote about it earlier, on the blog, and Now that I've gotten most of the story and background done I feel like I hit a wall. Its like, I know what I wanna say, and kinda where I am going with the whole thing, but at the same time this part is so crucial because It is the crux of the whole piece. The encounter that happened to me is like a brief peek into this microcosm that probably embodied the experiences of thousands, dare i say millions of patients each year. What I saw wasnt unique, it couldv'e happens all the time in Anywhere, USA and I have the feeling that these stories and people slip through the cracks.
I want to give these people, my people, a voice, and I want to let them finally be heard but at the same time I dont want to get all preachy, because I dont truly "know". Im a greenhorn after all. This is just the tip of my professional iceberg, and I will meet thousands of Senora Esperanzas [thats the hopefull pseudonym I gave the patient] in my life time. I dont want to fall into the trap that many young people get caught up in, and look back at myself in 10 years time and scoff at how "young and impressionable" I was. I acknowledge that this is a knee jerk response for me, and I want to remain congnisant of the reality that is this experience, but I also know that all it takes is one person to exact change. The cry of one poor soul to actually catch the attention of the masses, one person can make a difference and even if it doesn't change the world, if one person or only a few can benefit than its worth it.
I guess as I walk this thin line that every young professional walks, between idealism and reality, altruism and indifference; I find my self torn between falling in line and rocking the boat. I pray that this turns out well...
hasta luego
Julian
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