Deacon Tom Anthony

THE GIFT OF WOMEN IN MEDICINE

Rarely do I go to the doctor. I am an old New Englander when it comes to that. To set up a doctor's appoint or to get a prescription instead of relying on a natural remedy requires a situation where something is really, really wrong and it has become quite obvious over a period of time. Two recent examples over the past two year are when I contracted Mercer (almost losing my foot) and entering a detox (almost losing my life to alcohol). A third example, though not at dramatic, just happened and caused me to write this small but maybe important blurp about experience with women in medicine.

The women I have encountered at the hospital, treatment center, and doctor's office were not only professional, knowledgeable, and courteous, but they had something that many of their male counterparts do not have: empathy. I feel that this truly does come from the nurturing aspect of a woman that cannot be taught or learned. It is a natural trait that is connected with motherhood but also extends to the entire family unit. When women enter the workforce, they bring this empathy and nurturing trait with them and it makes them shine in so many different ways. 

I feel these qualities that women bring to the medical profession are instrumental in the well-being of all patients. The majority of nurses, including Nurse Practitioners, are women. When under any type of medical treatment the person that we all will be seeing the most will be a nurse. So it can be argued that the real face of the medical profession is the nurse and they should get the recognition that they deserve daily as being the ones on the front lines regarding health and well-being. Yes, women are doctors, clinicians, and many other postitions in the medical field, but I feel that the nurse is the one who is in the forefront and at center-stage in comparison. 

This state of being can also be extended to all of the Social Sciences where it appears that woman are in the majority of rolls and thankfully so. They bring qualities and a demeanor that is non-threatening and non-critical which can make all the difference when someone finds themselves in treatment. They can be forceful in there own way that does not put someone on the defensive and it causes one to listen more closely. They are able to take control of a situation and espouse their wisdom without causing someone to become defensive. It takes a lot of wisdom to do this and God knows that they have it. 

I just wanted to give a shout out on this little blog to the average 100 readers a month in the entire world who take time to read it.

Even though it is not much, I like to thank all the professional woman who have kept an old New Englander healthy and joyous over the years. You have also kept me alive!

Deacon Tom