Indexing Title: RSMujer’s MAR (06-04)

MAR Title: Man of Honor

Date of Medical observation: March 24, 2006

Narration:

It was a fairly normal day at the ER, when a father carrying his 2-year-old son was referred due to abdominal distention. Diagnosis was intussusception. Unfortunately, the boy’s family lives in Pasay City, hence, they were required to buy some materials needed for the operation. Due to lack of funds, the father humbly approached me to borrow money. He told me that he have seen me around “our” neighborhood several times. Openly narrating that he is a widower with four children and without a stable job. Seeing him for the first time, I hesitated to lend much help thinking he was pulling a fast one on me – making up the sob story.

            Dawn was approaching when I saw him walk out the emergency room. Curious, I followed him and saw him handing a pack of Skyflakes to three young and emaciated children. Each child with his hand outstretched waiting for a piece of cracker. Seeing them aroused my compassion on their abject condition. Right then and there, I resolved to help them with all I am able to. I approached the father and handed him the amount he was attempting to borrow from me earlier. I can still recall the bright smile that showed gratitude when he took the money from my hand. He then promised to pay me back as soon as he is able to. I never expected such, in my heart he has already paid me a thousandth times over. Because the feeling of self-respect is priceless.

            A few weeks later, a seemingly familiar man approached me, he handed me a white letter envelope. Still wondering, he told me that he is the father of a previous patient, to whom the attending surgeon lent money to, in order for the patient to live. I opened the envelope, and inside was the exact amount of money I lend him few weeks ago.

Insight:  (Physical, Psychosocial, Ethical) (Discovery, Stimulus, Reinforcement)

Sometimes, we find ourselves hesitant to help strangers; most of the time, thinking that they are taking advantages of us. Human nature protects us from being pawed upon by our scheming race – that is survival of the fittest.  We often belie our conviction towards our first impression, without much consideration that our initial judgment maybe wrong. The father has shown me that humankind – the epitome of the word, still exist. We had helped each other in our own ways, I helped him in monetary kind, and he has helped me opened up my trust and better understanding of the people around me. He has brought honor to himself by paying me back, and indirectly honored me by helping him. 

            These people showed me that no matter how tough life could be, with passion and genuine concern as the main drive, everything could be smoothen out and resolved. We should remember that a physician does not care solely of the physically ill, but also to heal the emotionally crippled.

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