A Physician's Song

To Begin

Near the ending of lifetimes of intense involvement in numerous lives, many of my physician colleagues put down in writing some of the thoughts provoked and lessons learned. Now is the time of "teach one*."

I dedicate this to my peers, especially the empathic physicians who still toil in the fields. Any else who may be entertained or discover something useful in what I have to say are welcome.

As of this writing; in the larger world it is considered conventional wisdom that self-interest and profit are the motivations that most reliably lead to fulfillment of mankind's needs and longings. I know that concept to be an invention of a few men and not natural law. And I know it to not be true. Fulfillment is found in an appreciation of beauty and the elegance of the workings of things. And it is in service in kinship, that is the ethic of trust. Those who follow the beauty and the ethic may look to later years of contentment and optimism. This is my testimony.

I would nurture the philosopher that lives within us all. I remain fascinated with this imponderable we call "life." An insatiably curious child, dissatisfied with any other than clear truth, my first genuine understanding of the nature of living things came through observations in the woods and streams near my home; this natural world, a place for discovering the reality that makes sense of things. Evolution from zoologist-child to pediatrician to oncologist to psychiatrist was virtually predetermined by these appreciations.

I am blessed to be a part of a profession for which my respect has never faltered. Without respect, truth never will emerge

My work has been the alleviation of pain and loneliness. For extended periods it has involved research, writing and teaching. However I have always been first and foremost a bedside clinician. As I am now in what is likely the last decade of my life I am grateful beyond description for all that contributed to the fulfillment of my many childhood strivings and also the affirmation of my belief in the kindness of "strangers.".

Entranced with memories of a Maryland Yellow Throat, joyous in song informing the universe of his presence, from the topmost branch of an ancient plum tree; I begin with respect.

* See one. Do one. Teach One.

Note: All narrative material and personal photographs and memorabilia appearing on this website are the property of the authors and protected under copyright law. © January 21, 2000. Publication of narrative text and reproductions of covered images without permission is prohibited.

Contact