Indexing Title: JGUERRA’s Medical Anecdotal Report [04-4]

MAR Title: “Sense of Fulfillment”

 Date of Observation: June 2004

Narration:

It was a very tiring day, I had been doing OR since I came on duty that Saturday night. After a series of long operations, I finally had a chance to take a rest.  It was around 2:30 am when I assumed my Emergency Room post.

When I was about to take a nap, a clerk advised me that we have a patient rushed in with a lacerated wound on his face. I instructed them to clean and suture the wound and give the necessary medications. However, the clerk insisted that the wound was bleeding profusely and measures about 10 inches extending from the forehead down to his lateral neck. She even told me that the patient is a print and TV personality. I immediately stepped out of the quarters and assessed the patient’s condition. True enough, the patient sustained a wound on his face that needs a plastic surgeon’s expertise. At the back of my mind, I have plans of transferring the patient to a more competent institution.

 I explained to the relatives of his condition, regarding the cosmetic result it will bring if not done by a plastic surgeon. But still, they insisted me to do everything I could to restore their brother’s face. I let them sign the consent and did the procedure. It took me three long hours to finish the repair. After which, the relatives were too happy and thankful for I have done a pretty good job in restoring the patient’s face. I prescribed him his home medications and advised to follow up at OPD after 5 days.

On the fifth day, he did not show up. I guess he went to see another doctor.

Days, weeks had passed by, and still no signs of him.

Three weeks later, when I was doing my regular rounds, I received a call from a Mrs. Solis telling me that she is the mother of the patient I sutured few weeks ago. She was very thankful for what I have done to her son. The family even dropped by the hospital to meet me personally. They even told me that according to their doctor, Ospital Ng Maynila have done a good job on her son’s face. I was very delighted and felt fulfilled.

Insights (Discovery, Stimulus, Reinforcement):

1. That this particular incident made me realized that we should believe in our capabilities and that we must not limit ourselves in doing what we think is unattainable.
2. That we should always put our very best in whatever we do. That is, we must always aim for excellence. As the saying goes, “Aim for the stars, so that when we fall short, we reach the moon.
3. That we should treat our patients equally, irregardless of their status in life.
4. That at the end of the day, all our hardships will payoff - fulfillment.