As some of you know, I spend a great deal of my time in the hospital as a medical student, helping about where I can, doing blood work, running things around, talking with patients and answering random questions from residents and interns (a process called “pimping” which is kind of like a right of passage for medical students). I’ve already seen a great deal at the hospital; however, the one thing that has struck me more than any other is the patients I have seen.
I’ve seen a number of older patients, some just in for minor problems but others in as long-term residents. These are the people that have stuck with me. Elderly patients on ventilators, contracted, non-communicative, total care dependent with little to no hope of ever making a recovery. Elderly patients with varying forms of dementia brought on by old age, infection and improperly managed care. Continue reading
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The Voice of Reason 