The Wisdom of Experience

My most recent teacher trained in the early days of Palliative Medicine with Dame Cicely Saunders and Dr. Balfour Mount. His stories were fascinating, often humorous; each new gem told with his characteristic humility. He will cringe at being referred to as a 'founding father' and pivotal presence during the developmental stages of many programs, yet this is true and in more than one city. I felt empowered in his presence and relished the opportunities we had to share the care of patients. He offered his perspective on a question I have contemplated from time to time since beginning this fellowship, "What are the top three attributes of a capable Palliative Medicine physician?" Here is the essence of his answer: 

1. Expertise in pain & symptom management because this establishes clinical competence & builds trust and confidence. Patients can not communicate effectively or deal with other issues if they are focused on their symptoms,
2. Ability to establish a therapeutic relationship that is personally congruent and demonstrates empathy and unconditional positive regard for the patient; then, to maintain this rapport, explore fears & concerns, re-frame hope, promote reunion, reconciliation & resolution of unfinished business,
3. Possess cognitive strategies and employ interventions that provide an affirming presence, educate and inform, while respecting the patient's right to choice & control.

There is soul here and the wisdom of experience speaking.

"Compassion is that mysterious capacity within each of us that makes it possible for suffering that is neither our own nor of our concern, to affect us as though it were." wisdomcommons.org