I recently found a note from the wife of a patient, and it reminded me that even though I am a LASIK surgeon who is highly specialized, I am first and foremost a doctor. Because of this, I will often notice serious problems, even if they are not related to vision.
The note below is from the wife of a patient who came in for an eye exam, but after examining and talking to him, I called around and arranged some cardiac tests for him:
“Dear Dr. Nahl
My husband & I would like to thank you for your caring & concern. You were the only one that cared enough to help us get the right tests. Now we finally know what is the matter with him. He has endocarditis & is improving. He still has a long recovery but thanks to you at least he has a chance.”
So, when I say I am first and foremost a doctor, what I mean is that I want to be able to give people a chance—a chance to see better and ultimately to live better. When I became a doctor, I swore always to protect my patients from harm; and that means at the end of the day, I want to go home knowing I’ve improved the lives of my patients—whether that is through a LASIK procedure or making sure they get the tests they need.
For me, being a doctor means I have the honor and the privilege of changing lives for the better.
