"Be Your patient's keeper": A big responsibility
Rakesh Mittal, MD, PhD
President
Northside Hospital Medical Staff
In the realm of healthcare, this powerful statement encapsulates the profound responsibility that rests upon the shoulders of healthcare professionals. It echoes the fundamental principle of compassion, empathy, and dedication towards those who seek care and healing and extends far beyond the confines of medical expertise. It encompasses a holistic approach to their well-being, not just addressing physical ailments but also attending to their emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs.
Being a patient's keeper means recognizing the vulnerability and trust placed in the hands of healthcare providers. It is an acknowledgement of the privilege to bear witness to the intimate aspects of a patient's life and the responsibility to navigate their journey with wisdom and respect. It demands a commitment to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality, safeguarding the dignity and privacy of each individual.
A patient's keeper acts as a steadfast companion, accompanying them on their path to recovery. This involves active listening, genuine empathy, and effective communication. It requires the ability to put oneself in the patient's shoes, to understand their fears, hopes, and aspirations. A patient's keeper embraces cultural sensitivity, recognizing and respecting the diversity of backgrounds, beliefs, and values that shape an individual's identity.
The role of a patient's keeper extends beyond the confines of a clinical setting, reimbursements, or coverage. It necessitates advocating for the patient's rights, ensuring they receive equitable and accessible care. It involves collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, engaging in shared decision-making processes, and coordinating resources to optimize the patient's health outcomes. A patient's keeper strives to empower and educate patients, fostering and promoting preventive measures to enhance their overall well-being.
Moreover, being a patient's keeper implies an unwavering commitment to continuous professional development. Healthcare providers must stay abreast of the latest medical advancements, research, and best practices to deliver the highest quality of care. This requires humility, humility to acknowledge limitations, and humility to seek collaboration and guidance from colleagues and specialists when needed.
However, being a patient's keeper is not a burden; it is a privilege and a source of profound fulfillment. It is a calling that attracts individuals who are motivated by a genuine desire to serve and make a positive impact on the lives of others. It is a career path that requires resilience, adaptability, and a deep sense of purpose.
Never sway away from your prime responsibility of taking care of another life irrespective of whether a patient is managed care or one works for an ACO or a has a high risk contract where often times it's financially more rewarding to withhold care. It Happens and i would say don't ever allow yourself to get into that trap of unprofessionalism and justify it along the way for yourself or anybody else even if they are your employers like hospitals, ACO's or big corporation clinics or insurance companies. There is a saying "The way it comes the way it goes". Never let greed take over the fact that "you alone" are your patients keeper.
In conclusion, "I am my patient's keeper" represents the essence of the sacred bond between healthcare providers and those in their care. It embodies the values of compassion, empathy, and advocacy that underpin the healthcare profession. It is a reminder of the profound responsibility bestowed upon healthcare professionals, demanding unwavering dedication, continuous learning, and a commitment to the well-being of each patient. As patient keepers, healthcare providers have the privilege of playing a vital role in the lives of others, leaving an indelible mark on the journey towards their health and healing as well as your own.
Money will never be able to buy this privilege of affirming yourself that yes indeed "I AM MY PATIENTS KEEPER".
