Beautifully written, Peter. I especially like the way you tied the first paragraph to the last, making your point about the wonder and fragility of life. You made me feel it, too!
Lovely, Peter. You manage to turn slimy guts into a glistening poem. And I love the quick sketch of the older doctor, suddenly pleased to teach and transfer his knowledge. And you've captured something we all hope for: to keep feeling awe.
Perhaps Confucius was, like me, a visual and kinesthetic learner! You can TELL me the same thing a million times and I will forget, but let me read about it or do it and I have got it. Fascinating essay.
Peter, as usual I wish your Musings could go on and on! You always manage to put us right inside a scene -- be it Mexican colors or an operating room! Keep them coming!
One thought: I'd disagree with the idea that I forget what I hear. On the contrary, I forget much that I see, but remember vividly what I hear (maybe because a voice conveys so much beyond the literal content). But yes, there is nothing like DOING to understand and absorb new skills. It's why I'd encourage those who love music to DO it -- even if it's singing along with a favorite melody in the car or shower. PS. Me, I think of "Skiing quiet" even over rough terraine -- but I'm not nearly as accomplished as you.
Thanks Sue for your kind words, and for the comment!
If Confucius were around, I think you could give him a corrective earful about forgetting what one hears. I do wonder if musicians are particularly trained, or born with, the ability to remember the sounds and words one hears.
How does a physician hold on to her humanity from the god-like heights of a medical practice? What changes does a person go through as he balances his skill between life and death? It's mythic, and has been portrayed as such, and I'd like to know what you've gone through. Thank you for doing this writing, I'll wait for more.
My first surgical experience as a fourth-year medical student was with a surgeon, Dr. H whose name I won't complete. He had a terrible temper which was famous, and once I was in the OR to "learn" and when the nurse gave him the incorrect instrument, he hurled it across the operating room!
Thanks Sonia for your comment. What an awful scene. I wonder if that unprofessional surgeon was ever properly confronted about his behaviour, and “learned” as a result.
You are a fantastic writer! Loved this piece and the one before about color and mood 😊. Keep it up!
Thanks for reading, Michelle, and welcome to Musings on Medicine and More!
Beautifully written, Peter. I especially like the way you tied the first paragraph to the last, making your point about the wonder and fragility of life. You made me feel it, too!
Thank you for reading, Manuela. Yes, the fragility and wonder seem to bracket our lives, from beginning to end.
Beautiful, thank you
Wonderful piece. Resonates with me. Oh brave new world that learning medicine brings. You captured it beautifully
Another great article. I have a profound fear of blood but I really enjoyed the idea of gazing into the body almost with wonder.
Beautifully and lovingly written. The wonder and miracle of our bodies and life. Thank you.
Lovely, Peter. You manage to turn slimy guts into a glistening poem. And I love the quick sketch of the older doctor, suddenly pleased to teach and transfer his knowledge. And you've captured something we all hope for: to keep feeling awe.
Perhaps Confucius was, like me, a visual and kinesthetic learner! You can TELL me the same thing a million times and I will forget, but let me read about it or do it and I have got it. Fascinating essay.
Peter, as usual I wish your Musings could go on and on! You always manage to put us right inside a scene -- be it Mexican colors or an operating room! Keep them coming!
One thought: I'd disagree with the idea that I forget what I hear. On the contrary, I forget much that I see, but remember vividly what I hear (maybe because a voice conveys so much beyond the literal content). But yes, there is nothing like DOING to understand and absorb new skills. It's why I'd encourage those who love music to DO it -- even if it's singing along with a favorite melody in the car or shower. PS. Me, I think of "Skiing quiet" even over rough terraine -- but I'm not nearly as accomplished as you.
Thanks Sue for your kind words, and for the comment!
If Confucius were around, I think you could give him a corrective earful about forgetting what one hears. I do wonder if musicians are particularly trained, or born with, the ability to remember the sounds and words one hears.
How does a physician hold on to her humanity from the god-like heights of a medical practice? What changes does a person go through as he balances his skill between life and death? It's mythic, and has been portrayed as such, and I'd like to know what you've gone through. Thank you for doing this writing, I'll wait for more.
My first surgical experience as a fourth-year medical student was with a surgeon, Dr. H whose name I won't complete. He had a terrible temper which was famous, and once I was in the OR to "learn" and when the nurse gave him the incorrect instrument, he hurled it across the operating room!
Thanks Sonia for your comment. What an awful scene. I wonder if that unprofessional surgeon was ever properly confronted about his behaviour, and “learned” as a result.
Not to my knowledge! Everyone seemed to humour him.
He must have been quite feared in the O.R. But he sure wouldn’t get away with that today- thank goodness the times have changed!
What a lovely description of first seeing the internal workings of the body and of the importance of ‘doing’.