You beautifully evoke human complexity: strength, frailty, shame, image: How so many of us use and hide within our professions. Some rise to unanticipated occasions. We all pass or pass out. Each in our own way. I am enjoying getting to know your writing and a part of you. With appreciation.
What an interesting story, Peter. We human beings are a fascinating lot! It's very touching that this powerful young man was so vulnerable underneath it all.
Very lovely story- I had a similar experience with a top gun pilot who required a smallpox vaccine and did everything possible to avoid it telling me that he was afraid of needles. This was a F4 Phantom pilot who was one of the most admired pilots in the Israeli air force when I was doing my service as a medical officer. He acceded and when it was over he said, "that was it?"
I am so fascinated to read this story. It doesn’t surprise me that the most virile guy, who works in a world of such extreme crises and catastrophe would be so vulnerable underneath the armour. I was thinking, as I was reading it, given the dr shortage, how lucky he was to see you. I know other people who have severe fear of Drs. When one of them finally went - after years of prodding from his wife, the blood tests turned up so many issues. The good thing is he turned his life around but of course by the time he saw the dr he had developed several concerning conditions. The fear of that kept him from going.
A poignant story, Peter, and a reminder that people often aren't as they appear. And you may well be right that this young man has made himself into a superhero to mask his inner fragility and fearfulness. Hey, a Nobel Prize winner may be insecure about his or her intellect; a supermodel think she's ugly; and a highly respected adult doctor still remember his 14-year-old "runty" self.
Poor ‘Marius’! He was so lucky that he came to you, Peter, and it is a shame he didn’t take advantage of the help you offered. I guess his entire identity was wrapped up in being physically powerful and doubt that he ever got the rest of his shots, poor guy.
Really interesting story, Peter! I find it fascinating to read about the effects of trauma and how some people might not even realize they’re reacting to certain situations in an over-the-top kind of way (out of proportion to the situation) because they’re dealing with deep-seated unrecognized trauma. The more we learn about all this the better!
Indeed, a good reminder of what herpes doctors truly are, especially if they stay true to their professions, like you, Peter! And a good reminder of the frailty of us all, of the human predicament.
Since the p is next to the o on the keyboard, I assume you mean "heroes" for which I bashfully thank you but don't think I am... And yes, the frailty of us all, exactly.
Ha, ha, of course, but I do think the title is well deserved, my friend! You have been all over the world and given your services and iI know you to be a person of immense integrity! That in and of itself, is heroic in these chaotic times with charlatans (one in particular) looking to be the most powerful leaders on the planet.
Why are you not allowed to pass out? Since the day might come, when you would pass out, whether you were in your office or anywhere else. How can we control this "passing out" business? Isn't there a medical reason why in some circumstances passing out might be just what we need, might be helpful? I am curious to know more about that.
You beautifully evoke human complexity: strength, frailty, shame, image: How so many of us use and hide within our professions. Some rise to unanticipated occasions. We all pass or pass out. Each in our own way. I am enjoying getting to know your writing and a part of you. With appreciation.
Thanks Doree for your kind words! I love “we all pass or pass out.”
We sure see how our pedestals can be helpful in moderation, but so damaging as well.
🌞
Great vignette which sends a powerful message about vulnerability and perspective.
Hi Peter, Really a well told tale. For me it's dentists.
A lovely story Peter
What an interesting story, Peter. We human beings are a fascinating lot! It's very touching that this powerful young man was so vulnerable underneath it all.
Very lovely story- I had a similar experience with a top gun pilot who required a smallpox vaccine and did everything possible to avoid it telling me that he was afraid of needles. This was a F4 Phantom pilot who was one of the most admired pilots in the Israeli air force when I was doing my service as a medical officer. He acceded and when it was over he said, "that was it?"
I am so fascinated to read this story. It doesn’t surprise me that the most virile guy, who works in a world of such extreme crises and catastrophe would be so vulnerable underneath the armour. I was thinking, as I was reading it, given the dr shortage, how lucky he was to see you. I know other people who have severe fear of Drs. When one of them finally went - after years of prodding from his wife, the blood tests turned up so many issues. The good thing is he turned his life around but of course by the time he saw the dr he had developed several concerning conditions. The fear of that kept him from going.
A poignant story, Peter, and a reminder that people often aren't as they appear. And you may well be right that this young man has made himself into a superhero to mask his inner fragility and fearfulness. Hey, a Nobel Prize winner may be insecure about his or her intellect; a supermodel think she's ugly; and a highly respected adult doctor still remember his 14-year-old "runty" self.
I like this very much. The exchange of vulnerabilities you captured, yet they didn’t quite happen. Poignant and sad.
So U & So Debbie
Poor ‘Marius’! He was so lucky that he came to you, Peter, and it is a shame he didn’t take advantage of the help you offered. I guess his entire identity was wrapped up in being physically powerful and doubt that he ever got the rest of his shots, poor guy.
Really interesting story, Peter! I find it fascinating to read about the effects of trauma and how some people might not even realize they’re reacting to certain situations in an over-the-top kind of way (out of proportion to the situation) because they’re dealing with deep-seated unrecognized trauma. The more we learn about all this the better!
Indeed, a good reminder of what herpes doctors truly are, especially if they stay true to their professions, like you, Peter! And a good reminder of the frailty of us all, of the human predicament.
Since the p is next to the o on the keyboard, I assume you mean "heroes" for which I bashfully thank you but don't think I am... And yes, the frailty of us all, exactly.
Ha, ha, of course, but I do think the title is well deserved, my friend! You have been all over the world and given your services and iI know you to be a person of immense integrity! That in and of itself, is heroic in these chaotic times with charlatans (one in particular) looking to be the most powerful leaders on the planet.
Why are you not allowed to pass out? Since the day might come, when you would pass out, whether you were in your office or anywhere else. How can we control this "passing out" business? Isn't there a medical reason why in some circumstances passing out might be just what we need, might be helpful? I am curious to know more about that.