As a daughter of a doctor, I am fortunate to have observed him first-hand during his admirable 30 years plus of practice.
Ever since I can remember, he would bring me along to visit residents while doing rounds at the care facility.
I worked the summer hours at his medical office while hoping to get a glance at, or hear Dads voice during office hours.
He is a true Type A personality, the kind of physician you would want taking care of you.
I was always proud that his handwriting was neat and easy to read.
At times I attended house calls along with him.
I know well that he loved his practice.
After hoursand on holidays he was a busy fellow, who welcomed urgent callings and tended to neighbours with swollen limbs and digits.
In fact, there were no after hours as he insisted in providing continuity for his maternity patients and would head out to the hospital at any hour in the night to safely deliver his youngest patients to this big world.
And he never stopped learning. When he wasnt in his study reading medical journals, he would often attend education seminars or play medical tapes during holiday car rides.
To this day, I call upon him to share thoughts about our healthcare system or for his opinion on medical matters.
It was after about 25 years of practice when he discovered pain for the second time in his life.
I recall over the years, he had hammered his fingers a few times and asked me to wrap up some nasty cuts sustained doing handy work, but this time was different.
He was in unbearable pain, such that he could hardly walk and it literally drove him to the doctor, also for the second time in his life.
General translation: no matter how good they are, doctors do not make good patients.
He then confided that prior to this experience, he surmised he did not understand his patients pain.
It was only then that he understood what pain was.
It is simply what the patient says it is.
Imagine, after 25 years in practice that the very best could still be learning.
If you think about the complexities of care and the information available, no matter how hard one tries, no one person can know it all.
One person cant possibly know everything.
We are all learning and the greatest power is in working together.
Why dont you ask your doctor how the both of you can best work together for your health?
Jan Gazley RN, BScN is a nurse with over 24 years of experience including caring for people with dementia.
She owns and operates One to One Home Health, helping you advocate for your health and providing care management.
Contact Jan at onetoonehomehealth.ca or 604-786-6165.
Wendy Thompson MA is a gerontologist, caregiver consultant and coach, published author and former Olympian.
She has taught and coached hundreds of caregivers and is known for her ability to empower and motivate others to live happier, healthier lives.
Her promise is to help make your caregiver life easier. Wendy is available for consulting and coaching at 604-275-0091.
