Dr. BJ Miller - TEDtalk

---A very inspiring talk by Dr. BJ Miller. He is the head of the Zen Hospice project at Laguna Honda Hospital in San Francisco. Do yourself a favor and listen to what Dr. Miller has to say. Kudos to all!

Burt Mann Memorial

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---Many of us went to Burt Mann's memorial service, yesterday, July 29, 2012. He passed on a week ago. Burt was a great guy. His honesty was unprecedented. He made his mark at Laguna Honda and if his memorial service is any indication...you can see that he affected many, many folks in a way that will last awhile.

---There is much that I could write about Burt...but, to sum it up very neatly (which wasn't exactly Burt's style.) Everyone loved Burt and Burt loved everyone. The impact that Burt had was great. Knowing Burt was a reason to be thankful.

I republished this one. It is for those who remember Burt. He sure was a great guy.

An IDEAL (Draft) Patient/Care Partner (CLOSER)

KINDNESS - Patients/Staff

 

REMEMBER: Kindness Begins With YOU, No Matter Who YOU Are!

The DOCTOR 1991 (Complete Movie) - William Hurt

---I was fortunate to find this movie on YouTube. A movie that everyone in the helping profession should see. Read more below. Watch, if you care to, while it's agreement is still current.  

A LESSON FOR DR. VICTORIA SWEET

A LESSON FOR

DR. VICTORIA SWEET

and US ALL

---I'd like to speak about something that Dr. Sweet mentions in her book, ''God's Hotel.'' On page 29 in one of the versions of the book she speaks of talking to a Miss Tod. Miss Tod had brain cancer that was still growing behind her right eye. The eye had been removed and her eyelid was sewn shut. Dr. Sweet mentions that she was hard to look at.

---Having gotten used to the physical appearance of Miss Tod, and after exchanging pleasantries...Dr. Sweet looked at Miss Tod and asked if there was anything that she could do for her?

She expected euthanasia, some sort of miracle cure, stronger pain medication or even a second opinion. With all the poise and equanimity Miss Tod asked if there was something Dr. Sweet could do about her food being so bland and a pair of eyeglasses. Dr. Sweet mentions being floored by the response. She helped her with those things. Miss Tod changed wards and lived another 18 months.

---What Dr. Sweet learned that day was priceless from my perspective. From Miss Tod's attitude she learned that ''somehow she accepted her fate, and it was the small things, the little daily things, that were important to her.'' Dr. Sweet goes on to speak of bravery at the core.

--She then mentioned something that floored me. Admitting that many young doctors are very healthy, curious, hardworking, etc. What do they know of misfortune? And, even when there is no cancer to deal with, the patient still has his needs and preferences. Reread the section about Miss Tod if you've forgotten the story. As I said it's page 29 in my book and lasts about two pages. It is a good lesson for all of us. Be Well.

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The Doctor - Movie Trailer 1991

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---This movie was suggested to me by someone in the social services department. I couldn't find the movie trailer without subtitles. It is about a doctor who was a brilliant surgeon that lacked skills in the human relationship/bedside manner dept., that is so very important to the process. The callous surgeon played by William Hurt develops a tumor and meets many doctors equally as cold and aloof as he was. The surgeon is now victimized by same attitudes and callous behaviors that were much like his own. He learns a valuable lesson through all this AND...you have to watch the movie for more! WORTH VIEWING!

COMPLETE MOVIE ABOVE!