The Art of the Golden Rule in Medical Care
“I don’t have time for this,” uttered an EKG machine technician in frustration as a technical problem with the equipment failed to record a hospital patient’s heart tracing. The long list of hospital patients awaiting her was weighing heavily on her mind as she hurriedly pulled the sticky patches from his chest.
“I still have so many floors to go to and it’s only two hours into my shift! This day WILL BE HARD,” said a nursing staff to her patient as she reflected on the tasks and large load of patients awaiting her.
“I’ve so many patients to see, “said the friendly but tired looking and overworked chaplain as he rushed to get out from a patient’s room forgetting to give the comfort that he is so equipped for: A prayer.
The above are just but a few real life examples of how amazingly talented, caring, and gifted men and women in healing and serving professions can be overworked and overloaded. So overburdened to a point of having no time to fully listen, answer questions, comfort those in need, or say a prayer.
Well, It’s not just physicians and advanced medical providers who find themselves perpetually making decisions to ration their scare and limited time as they attempt to divide it between patients, and the demands of their professional and personal lives. The health care system in general, and the health care of our veterans is truly bursting through the seams.
I still recall those childhood memories of donkeys pulling heavily loaded 
carts in my third world country’s busiest public market place. The poor donkeys’ carts were constantly overloaded with heavier and heavier loads. The end result of such over burdening was not usually: a donkey breaking his back, or rising above the ground as more and more loads are added indiscriminately.
Metaphorically speaking, one wonders if any of the health providers including doctors, advanced medical providers, nurses, phlebotomists, medical technicians, chaplains, and others, some whose statements are listed above, feel like those donkeys of my childhood market place.
America’s health care system, including our veteran’s health care, has become so taxing and weighty. It’s heavy demands and loads are becoming harder and harder for those who carry the bulk of its burden to manage and move safely, compassionately, and efficiently.The majority (thankfully not all) of those in the health care services are overloaded , overworked, and overwhelmed. No matter how hard working and loyal a donkey with an overloaded cart is, it will eventually grow weary and lose its efficiency and patience. Eventually, it might very well be elevated and suspended in mid air as the load on the back of its cart grows heavier and heavier.
We can all easily agree that a soul building, a heart uplifting, and a life changing doctor’s visit or hospital admission is one where one is cared for compassionately, and treated with kindness and mercy. Yes, of course we all want exceptionally great up-to-date, and top notch medical care. But, you and I can agree again that such excellent and top of the line medical care must be delivered with tender care and compassion in order for it to have a long lasting curative and healing benefit.
Given all of the loads and heavy demands coupled with our human time limitations how can society’s caring and compassionate healers continue to heal its veterans?
How can they continue to heal its citizens and soldiers?
How can the “Golden Rule” begin to rule our busy, and time consuming medical care journey of healing?
making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:16(ESV)
Advice and recommendations offered here are not meant to replace your medical provider’s individual evaluation, diagnosis and treatment. Please see your medical provider for any physical or emotional concerns.
Views expressed here are only of the author, and do not represent the views of any other organization or entity.
Adel G. Hanna, M.D,
Author: Soldier To Soldier Heart to Heart
A Doctor’s Stories from a Military Camp
Blog: www.adelhanna.com
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