Today is Doctors’ Day – a day set aside to celebrate our physicians. To share our gratitude for the services they provide and the sacrifices that they make in order for others to feel the freedom of an able body, witness their child’s first breath or even get a second chance at a life unfinished.
It takes so many talented, dedicated team members to make a hospital run. At Parkview, I believe the vast network of expert providers at the heart of our system is what makes it beat, steadfast and strong, every single day.
One of our cardiologists, Dr. Mark O’Shaughnessy shared that he long believed there was a difference between physicians and what he referred to as healers. A physician can call upon his or her training, assess a person’s medical needs and address them. But a healer is different. A healer can sense when a person is hurting. A healer sees the whole individual – body, mind and soul.
After years of speculating over the distinction, the one attribute that separated these two classifications of caregivers finally became clear. It was empathy. Empathy is the differentiator. It’s the compass that all true healers carry in their pockets. It’s the why and the way. Empathy is what makes a great doctor, exceptional.
When I think about the pain so many are feeling right now – physical, mental, social, spiritual – I come back to the healers. As a community, we are most certainly navigating uncertain waters. We know that the waves are going to rise and storms will shift and shake so many lives. But when we look at the eyes behind the masked faces, to the healers, we see hope.
During this pandemic, and every day, I am immensely proud of our physicians. Their tireless dedication and resolve to improve the well-being of the people we serve casts a bright light and sparks greatness in others. Their confidence yields calm and their compassion grants peace.
So from all of us at Parkview Health, happy Doctors’ Day, to the leaders, the heroes and the healers who give their very best to every person, every day. Now more than ever.
