Kai

This particular passage stood out to me as it details the loss of a patient and a friend.┬á Something which infrequently comes to light is mistakes made in the operating room, and when this does come up, it is often associated with malpractice and carelessness.┬á However, Dr. BurchÔÇÖs diary gives us a view into how an unsuccessful operation, despite best intentions and good practice, feels to a practitioner.┬á Over the course of these three pages, Dr. Burch provides a window into his initial thoughts on the operation, his mood upon learning that his patient died, and his lingering attitude thereafter.┬á Dr. Burch reflects on how worried he was for his friendÔÇÖs condition, and for all the entries for the following week, his mood is depressed, the entries are short, and his topics, normally about friends and golf, were focused on missing his family and reflections on his shortcomings.┬á┬á

In our current COVID situation, I found this episode particularly relevant, and I imagine it is unfortunately relatable to many overwhelmed healthcare professionals working in ICUs across the country.┬á In Dr. BurchÔÇÖs own words, ÔÇ£there is only one comfort, I always try to do my best and no one can do more than that.ÔÇØ