Poetry
If medicine is so special
Jonathan McCabe
I’ve been told medicine is so special
Technological advances and care
It’s different from the other jobs out there
So, I enter the hospital and ask the doctors the patients see
Is medicine everything you thought it would be?
I was expecting some sort of smile or agreement
Most of the time it’s blank stares right back at me
They comment about what has been lost and what they wish they did
If medicine is so special, then why do these people regret the care they give?
My first year I’ve been nervous about learning all the medicines and how they’re related
I am now nervous that my conscientiousness will be degraded
Replaced by tired eyes and monotony
I’ll hate myself for thinking medicine was special
But every so often when I shadow in clinic
I’ll have a doctor that sits me down for a minute
They talk about their patients and how glad they are to be here
It’s hard work, they will say to me, but it’s something they hold dear
I hope I am like this doctor
Maybe I’m not so naive for thinking medicine can be special
Author: Jonathan McCabe
Bio: I am a first year medical student at the University of Michigan. I studied biomedical sciences and philosophy at Grand Valley State University and received my master's degree in Bioethics from Harvard Medical School. I am from Holland, MI and enjoy coffee shops.
Commentary: My perception of medicine has changed in my first year of medical school. Medicine tends to be idealized before one enters the field, both by oneself but also friends or family. As I have begun shadowing and spending time with doctors, their comments on the career has worried me. Will I really become indifferent? Will I snap at my residents or medical students?
But every so often I run into a doctor that rejects that culture. One that reminds me that medicine can be special.