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I have to get something off my chest.
Today, I saw a patient in clinic.
Very pleasant 70-something yo male following up for multiple myeloma.
After our initial formalities, he became comfortable & began sharing aspects of his life. How he was scared to keep working because
1/n
Today, I saw a patient in clinic.
Very pleasant 70-something yo male following up for multiple myeloma.
After our initial formalities, he became comfortable & began sharing aspects of his life. How he was scared to keep working because
1/n
of his immunocompromised status, how he wanted to quit smoking.
Even behind his mask, I sensed some hesitation though.
He began: "Miss... I hope you don't take this the wrong way..."
I paused, intrigued.
He pointed to the henna on my left hand and said, "that is beautiful.
2/n
Even behind his mask, I sensed some hesitation though.
He began: "Miss... I hope you don't take this the wrong way..."
I paused, intrigued.
He pointed to the henna on my left hand and said, "that is beautiful.
2/n
ââŚWhat does it mean? I hope I'm not offending you. Just curious; is it religious? Iâve asked some people in the past, and they took offence, so I donât want to do that."
For a minute, I was confused.
Why would I be offended? Itâs human nature to be curious, to want
3/n
For a minute, I was confused.
Why would I be offended? Itâs human nature to be curious, to want
3/n
to learn about another person.
I explained to him how henna is a cultural thing among Indian people (and Pakistani, Iraqi, other nationalities). I shared how my mom had been visiting & requested me to do henna on her for a festival. And we laughed when I joked I had
4/n
I explained to him how henna is a cultural thing among Indian people (and Pakistani, Iraqi, other nationalities). I shared how my mom had been visiting & requested me to do henna on her for a festival. And we laughed when I joked I had
4/n
âblackmailedâ my younger sister to do henna on me, because I was the one always doing it on others.
I didnât think much of this interaction until later today.
This evening, specifically.
How sad is it that we have become a society that is so quick to judge?
5/n
I didnât think much of this interaction until later today.
This evening, specifically.
How sad is it that we have become a society that is so quick to judge?
5/n
To assume offence when it may simply be curiosity?
How can we, as physicians or HCWs in general, expect patients to trust us & share their life story without giving back in return?
I donât know.
Maybe Iâm just word vomiting.
6/n
How can we, as physicians or HCWs in general, expect patients to trust us & share their life story without giving back in return?
I donât know.
Maybe Iâm just word vomiting.
6/n
Perhaps, just a friendly reminder to assume positive intent.
Yes; there is plenty wrong in the world.
But there are A LOT of wonderful things too.
Like human connection.
Sometimes â maybe too often â we forget that.
Let's remember our shared humanity
especially now
7/end
Yes; there is plenty wrong in the world.
But there are A LOT of wonderful things too.
Like human connection.
Sometimes â maybe too often â we forget that.
Let's remember our shared humanity
especially now7/end
Oh and bonus: 
Left = henna my sister did on me
Right = the one I did on my mum
Left = henna my sister did on me
Right = the one I did on my mum
