A Story Like So Many Others

He was tired, he'd already been on shift for 20 hours, at last he had a moment's rest. Without taking off his coat he threw himself onto a gurney and dozed off. The nurse rushed in desperately, doctor, doctor, she shook him. He quickly snapped awake and went into the consulting room, where a woman was waiting for him with a 9- or 10-year-old girl in her arms having convulsions, the mother said it happens to her often but it usually lasts much less, "I already know she's epileptic."

The doctor treated her, and once the episode had passed he began asking questions to fill out the medical history, the mother answered evasively, this isn't the first time I've brought her, they medicate her, I give her the medications they prescribe, but afterward I can't afford to buy them, I have 3 younger children and my husband does odd jobs, when he manages to work for a while we can eat better, but the medications are expensive.

The doctor went into the storeroom and brought back a number of sample packets and told her this will last 15 days and on that day I want to see her in room B where I see patients Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, and don't you dare miss it, because I'll send the police to find you if I have to.

The woman left in tears, at last someone cared about her daughter. During those days, the doctor spoke with the social worker, and when they came back, he already had medication ready for them and had arranged a meeting with the social worker, whom they connected with. The situation changed, it improved because the father got a job on a construction project that would last 3 years.

The doctor kept a constant eye on the girl, and between him and the social worker she never again went without her medication. When she turned 15 he invited them to the family gathering to celebrate. When she got married she asked them to be her godparents.

Stories like this happen by the thousands but they never get told, because they are the majority (like water), and all anyone ever sees is the drop of oil floating on top, which is when a professional fails to keep their oath. This story is a sincere tribute to all the doctors who love their profession.