We come unbidden into this life, and if we are lucky we find a purpose beyond starvation, misery, and early death which, lest we forget, is the common lot. I grew up and I found my purpose and it was to become a physician. My intent wasn't to save the world as much as to heal myself. Few doctors will admit this, certainly not young ones, but subconsciously, in entering the profession, we must believe that ministering to others will heal our woundedness. And it can. but it can also deepen the wound.

Tell us please, what treatment in an emergency is administered by ear?"....I met his gaze and I did not blink. "Words of comfort," I said to my father.

Life for the Italians was what it was, no more and no less, an interlude between meals

What we are fighting isn't godlessness--this is the most godly country on earth. We aren't even fighting disease. Its poverty. Money for food, medicines... that helps. When we cannot cure or save a life, our patients can at least feel cared for. It should be a basic human right.

When I wake to the gift of yet another sunrise my first thought is to rouse him and say, I owe you the sight of morning.

The bottom line: health care reform is about the patient, not about the physician.

Students undergo a conversion in the third year of medical school - not pre-clinical to clinical, but pre-cynical to cynical.