Being retired with a new, challenging occupation myself I guess I should look on the retirement of Dr. Michael Rooney, oncologist extraordinaire, and his move to teaching others as a positive transformation. And if he brings his quiet passion to his new work, it will be all that and more.
But I will miss the doctor to whom patients felt such loyalty; the recipients of his warmth and caring treatment in the toughest of fights: cancer.
Yes, I too have heard horror stories of doctors who don't test because you are too young to have cancer, who don't test because you are too old to treat, who dismiss fears as unfounded therefore not worthy of response, who fail to understand either the misery or urgency brought on by a cancer diagnosis. And while believing each tale, I also believe most doctors do or want to provide the best care and in the most supportive manner.
Perhaps, as beloved as he was treating patients, Dr. Rooney will make an even larger mark on patient care by teaching others his calm, thoughtful and unhurried support for the stricken patient struggling to make sense of a diagnosis, to make treatment decisions and all the while wandering the emotional turf of shock, anger and fear.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
It could be with Barack Obama now in office that the most important profession may now become nursing.
Oncology nurses that have the opportunity to hear the passion in Mike Rooney's voice may carry it throughout their lives.
There are folks like Dr. Rooney scattered here and there in this land that will deliver their message until the end of cancer arrives. The people that hear him speak won't forget his words.
Post a Comment