She arrived late for her appointment, not unlike other patients who were surprised by the heavy storm.
I couldn't help but notice that she appeared uncomfortable as she sat in the waiting room. When it was her turn, I called her back to the mammography suite. She never lifted her head as I instructed her to remove everything from the waist up.
Once we were inside the exam room, I questioned her briefly about her breast health history. She answered softly. At first I thought she was somewhat fearful about having a mammogram. We approached the mammography unit together. She removed the cape from her shoulders. I took a deep breath to keep from responding inappropriately to what I saw. Her breasts and upper torso were covered with bruises.
I wrapped my arms around her, and for a moment neither of us spoke. Her tears flowed. She explained that the bruises were inflicted by her husband, who beat her in an area that would not be seen easily. My question was whether she was safe now. Yes, she was living in a shelter for battered women. I told her I was relieved that she was free from further abuse.
I gently completed her mammogram with all the compassion and professional care I could muster. She dressed and before she left the mammography suite I promised that what we shared behind closed doors would remain confidential.
I never saw her again.
This encounter and countless others remind me of why I come to work each day. Besides providing breast imaging, I am here to serve my patients, some of whom are at their most vulnerable.
What I have learned in more than 25 years in this profession is that my observation has to be keener than just what is required to properly position my patient. I have learned that even in the midst of my most hectic day, when it seems that having two more arms and an extra room would not be enough, I must sharpen my senses to the most important priority of the day: my patient.
I believe we are drawn to the challenging profession of health care because of our need to serve mankind, and we must remain committed to reach beyond boundaries to rescue a patient who is silenced by a crisis.
Just the other day as I entered the pharmacy in the pouring rain, there in the doorway stood a woman who looked as if she could have been my age. She seemed baffled by the sudden downpour as she looked in the direction of what must have been where her car was parked. It was obvious she didn't have an umbrella, and as I approached with mine still open, I offered to walk with her to the car. Her response of "no thank you" was surprising but understandable. I asked again: "Are you sure? I really don't mind walking with you to your car," but she declined.
I gave myself a quick once over to see if I looked strange. I was still wearing my medical scrubs, which are recognizable as such by most people. Then it occurred to me, generally speaking, we are unaccustomed to strangers demonstrating care for our circumstances.
How sad.
I believe the power of caring is demonstrated every day. Sometimes it makes the news. Most often, no one hears about average people who provide an umbrella of care for strangers. Maybe we make their day by holding the door or offering a kind morning greeting to someone who lives alone.
Whichever way you choose to demonstrate your power of caring, don't stop!
And the next time you find yourself caught in an unexpected downpour, give in to that stranger offering an umbrella.
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