Humanism in Healthcare

As I was perusing through my friend’s pages on a popular social network one day, a popping noise sounded through my headphones, and a tiny chatbox appeared. I did not recognize the name, but read the small paragraph that followed: “Hi, I just wanted to ask you to tell your mom thanks again for being so kind during my surgery, and that I wont ever forget her. She is really such a sweet lady and I’m glad she was there with me.” I told the young man thanks and that I agree and would relay the message. I recalled that a few weeks ago my mother, who is a RN-III that works in the interventional radiology unit of Memorial Miramar Hospital in south Florida, was telling me a story about a young man that was completely mortified to get a sample taken from a dire infection he had. She had mentioned that she had felt so bad for a young patient, and held his had through the entire procedure. I know my mother is a compassionate woman, but this random message was a testament to how important that care for others feelings truly are in healthcare.

Firstly, I believe that it is just as important to integrate humanism in healthcare as skill and expertise. Humanism is defined as an approach in study, philosophy, or practice that focuses on human values and concerns (Humanism, 2010). In Healthcare, it is important to remember that most patients do not go into the hospital knowing much about anatomy and specifics of their illnesses. I used to be the screaming brat terrified of vaccinations, and avoiding doctor’s appointments by faking that I was “all better”. Now that I am older and chose to pursue a career in healthcare, I know already that it is important to help those scared souls like I formerly was. Important points in being a well-rounded doctor were quoted to be doctors who will: Respect people, healthy or ill, regardless of who they are, support patients and their loved ones when and where they are needed, promote health, and give unbiased advice, and let people participate...