Hope: A Physician's Journey cont'd

A unique lesson I’ve learned as a physician on this journey is seeing the world from a patient’s perspective. Now that I am the one in the waiting room, the one on the exam bed, the one getting my blood pressure taken, it’s a new world of fears, uncertainties, and vulnerabilities. I’ve realized how critical the doctor-patient relationship is to our health and well-being. The physicians who’ve sat down at eye level with me and just talked to me to find out how I’m feeling, how I am, what my concerns are, etc., are the physicians who have not only empowered me but have also been restorative in allaying my fears and uncertainties. No matter how scientifically complicated the diagnosis or prognosis can be, a good physician is a physician who infuses the discussion with warmth, compassion, and possibilities. Ultimately, all I want, as a patient, is to walk out of thatdoctor’sofficewithasenseofhope.

One of the biggest, most humbling lessons I’ve learnt through all this is that there’s still much we physicians and scientists don’t know regarding health and healing. Yes, I’ve gone in for the recommended surgeries and rendered my system to the chemotherapies, as I have great respect for medical science. However, I admit I’ve gained a greater respect for the power of Prayers. Prayers have accentuated every medical decision and therapy I’ve submitted. As I am rolled into the surgical suite, as the drugs infuse into my veins, there lies at the forefront of my consciousness prayers - prayers to guide the precision of the surgeon’s hand, prayers that the chemotherapy devours every cancerous cell, prayers that I will get through this. Prayers from everyone near and far, of every religion and faith in my circle of loved ones, lifted my spirit and carriedmethroughthedarkesttimes,givingmestrengthandcouragetocarryonwiththefight.

Prayers are an ethereal force that gives me hope. Hope is all we have at the end of the day. Hope empowers. Hope defies statistics and probabilities and ventures into the realms of miracles and endless possibilities. Hope is the light that shines through the dark. As per Emily Dickinson, “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without the words, andneverstopsatall...”

Dr. Tran-Davies is a distinguished writer and physician who proudly graduated from the University of Alberta. In 1979, she arrived in Canada as a refugee from the Vietnam War, accompanied by her mother and five siblings.

Dr. Tran-Davies has a passion for writing children’s stories that highlight the humanity in our lives. Her works have been shortlisted for several prestigious awards, including the Alberta Literary Award, Red Maple Award, and Blue Spruce Award

Visit Dr. Tran-Davies's website to discover more about her remarkable work: https://www.nhungtrandavies.com/