Caroline St. Peter, MS3, Class of 2025
I am more than a patient.
I am more than a 90-year-old man with Parkinson’s disease and dementia. I am more than a widow. I am more than a man without his high school degree. I am more than a recovering alcoholic, and I am more than a helpless patient in the hospital.
I am a father, a grandfather, and a great grandfather. I have 3 kids, 2 of which are still living and involved in my life. I am a veteran who spent 30 months in Panama during the Korean war. I am a writer and a reader of fiction. I am a lover and a joker. I am survivor of alcohol misuse disorder who turned my life around, and I am a man with a story to share with the world.
During his admission, this patient had deterioration of his mental cognition and physical strength, which was impacting his nutritional status. His barrier to being discharged was ensuring he had enough nutrition and strength to go to a rehab facility. Attempts at medical interventions, such as a G-tube and appetite stimulants were unsuccessful, and the ultimate treatment ended up being personal engagement. We found out he had trouble concentrating and remembering to eat, and this is why he wasn’t doing so. Therefore, we shaped his care to focus on motivating him to eat with company and verbal encouragement. When I cared for him, I brought food from the floor to share with him in his hospital room, providing him with cues and companionship to enhance his care. As we sat and ate together, I asked him about his life, and he shared vast stories and immense wisdom I will always remember.
As an author, he encouraged me to write something down every day, even if it’s “boring or smart” so that I can have an account of my own story and how I see the world through my perspective. During our conversations, there were many instances where he found himself reflecting on previous experiences, such as his time in war and receiving help for his alcohol use disorder. Through this he showed me that no matter what stage of life or mental state you are in, to be grateful for what you have been through in life and reflect on that often. The past shapes who you are but does not define you. He also emphasized the importance of finding the joy in each day, no matter what the circumstances. He was vulnerable in the hospital and still focused on finding positives and continuously thanked us for our work. My time with this patient truly showed the impact that we as physicians have on our patients when we treat them as humans and the everlasting impact that patients have on us.
Med Intima 