End Notes
The Unknown Suffering
By Zubin Agarwal
To remain strong
Is the challenge of our profession
Every day we walk through a valley of suffering
The addiction psychiatrist,
The radiation oncologist,
The cardiothoracic surgeon.
How does one overcome
Daily challenges to morale, esteem, integrity?
Uncertainty in the face of death
And certainty in death
How does one retain the strength to care
For patients, their families and loved ones?
We
The relievers of human suffering
Magicians of death and dying
Who heals the healers?
Who licks our wounds?
We have become so entranced by the Oath
That the saviors of health have become martyrs.
Finding relief from the daily turmoil of our profession
Is to achieve peace with failure
To discover reward in success
Some may find relief in writing, artistic expression
To remain strong
Is the challenge of our profession.
Zubin Agarwal is a student at Mayo Medical School.