September 3, 2007
The Human Touch
During times of catastrophe, I am always proud of my fellow health care workers. Whether it be an earthquake, fires, mudslides, or hurricanes, nurses, doctors, and EMS personnel all jump into the heart of the chaos. The pictures and news stories tell it all; and yet, what stands out amid the lifesaving medical treatments and heroic rescues are the small acts of kindness and compassion that cast a glimmer of hope on what, at times, appears to be a hopeless situation. These acts of kindness cannot be taught or bought, there is no specific skill set required to perform these duties. These acts come from deep within a caring heart, and they are the hallmark of our profession. I am referring to the human touch–there is nothing more powerful.

It is the human touch that lessens the hurt, comforts the heartbroken, and brings hope to the hopeless. The human touch that brings strength and determination to the weary. The human touch that is displayed as a nurse comforts an elderly man who has been separated from his wife or hugs a newborn baby who has been evacuated without her parents. The human touch that is seen as a physician embraces a young boy with leukemia who desperately needs his next treatment. The human touch as healthcare workers start IVs to hydrate one another so that they can continue to care for patients during the first few days following the hurricane. The human touch that cries with the living and cares for the dying with dignity and respect.

I have often heard it said that "sometimes it takes the worst to bring out the best." However, working in the healthcare profession, I see the best of human caring every day.

You have a profound impact on others. Never lose sight of that impact and value human touch as your most prized possession. For the most part, those you encounter and care for may not remember your qualifications or skills, but they will remember your kindness and compassion. I have the privilege of reading letters from patients and families describing their experience here at UCH and, overwhelmingly, they are most grateful for acts of caring.

As healthcare professionals, we rise to the occasion every day, not just during disasters. We are blessed with a unique opportunity to touch others through our profession. The self-fulfillment that comes with that is just an added benefit!

"Peace is found not in what surrounds us but in what we hold within." During these difficult times for our country, may you find peace within and may it comfort you to know that through caring for others, your human touch changes lives.