I am learning every day from my patients and their trust in me to help them is a gift that I do humbly accept everyday.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is one of the most beloved stories of all time. It is a classic story with a theme that resonates as we end the year and commence a new one. The story revolves around the main character examining his past, present, and future. He realized that key events have shaped his life and turned him into the man he is. Before the story ends, the character is able to make a change for the better in the present which effectively shapes his future. Well-written novels are able to transcend time and place, and I feel this story is especially relevant when it comes to the life of an oncologist. It is through our patients that we are shaped and molded. These experiences are our backbone, and I believe reflecting on them helps create our soul and lifeline. December is a perfect time to reflect on our patients and ourselves with the hope that will be able to improve our future.