“The task of medicine is to cure sometimes, relieve often and care always.” Ambroise Pare (1517-1590)

My mother was a very simple person, never wanting or wishing for the material things in life. She was a loving wife and mother, fiercely devoted to her family.

One year, fresh out of college and seeking my future in the business world, I received an emergency long distance phone call while on an out of town business trip. It was my Dad with news that Mom had suffered a serious heart attack and the situation looked very grim, as the attack had destroyed 50% of Mom’s heart.

The doctor assigned to Mom walked into the cardiac intensive care unit and spoke the following words – “She will be lucky to live one year.” Without hesitation, my Mother motioned to my Dad to come to her bedside. As my Dad leaned over, he heard Mom’s command, “you fire that doctor!”

My Dad dismissed that doctor and a new physician, Dr. Thomas Runge, was selected to care for my Mom. The love and compassion of this new doctor, coupled with total faith in The True Healer, allowed Mom to live 13 additional, productive years.

Mom’s final hospital visit was a special care unit in Houston, Texas. She became very close to one particular nurse - Ms. Edwards – during the final weeks of her life. This lady cared for Mom as a person, not just as a patient. She was kind, caring and compassionate as she worked with my Mother.

The final day of Mom’s life, a “Code Blue” was announced and an emergency team rushed into the cardiac intensive care unit. Ms. Edwards came out and told my Dad and me that Mom had died. Through the tears, I asked the nurse if Mom had said anything prior to her death. She said Mom was mumbling and the nurse leaned over to ask if she could help. Mom just nodded her head “no” and said her final words, “I’m talking to God” before passing onto heaven.

You know that Ms. Edwards and Dr. Runge would have been paid the same no matter how they treated my mother. They could have thought of her as “the heart patient in room 62.” But they didn’t. They treated her with the compassion that transcends just doing a job. They cared. And in so doing, they had a profound impact on the final days of Mom’s life. There is great power in compassion. People don’t remember how much you know, but they do remember how much you care.

And you know what? I think there’s room for that in a lot of other places outside the hospital. Compassion, care, kindness, thoughtfulness – they are all needed at your company by your fellow employees. Oh, not if you want to treat it as only a place to go pick up a paycheck. But if you want to be remembered … if you want to make a difference in this life… if you want to make even a small mark in your little corner of the world, show compassion. Then stand back and watch for the miracles!

The question: What is the task of medical professionals (and all leaders)?
The answer: To keep HOPE alive.

P.S. – I contacted Dr. Runge on 6/27/03 to thank him for his care and compassion. During our phone conversation he made the following statement: “The worst thing a doctor can give a patient is bad news. The truth can be delivered with compassion, thereby keeping hope alive.” Beautiful words delivered by a true physician.

And remember, it’s all about the relationship.