My Patients Have Taught Me!

Abstract

In the process of life long continuous learning of neurosurgeons and medical doctors, there are several sources of learning and education the neurosurgeons have to go through and learn from. The regular education and learning resources are including; courses, reading, conferences, watching the masters of neurosurgery, skills labs, practice and research. However, patient’s roles as a teacher should be recognized and appreciated. In this chapter, we are exploring that special type of learning, when patient plays the role of a teacher, teaches the treating doctors very valuable lessons in life, wisdom, commitments, values, and cultures. It is striking that the learning from patients in facts starts early in medical schools and patient’s teaching continues with us as long we are practicing in our chosen field of medicine and surgery. In the memories and minds of every successful physician, neurosurgeon, or surgeon, there are several personal valuable lessons deeply printed in the memories, minds, and souls.

Learning from patient takes different forms and occurs at any time as long we are faithfully committed to provide our best for the patient’s best interest. Sometimes patient comments or observation or facial expression strike our brain and engraving deep in it lessons, and memories will always remain.

We are presenting two sessions of patient’s teachings based on my own real-life experience. There are several important and valuable lessons which have been learned from these cases.