Today was the first day in a long time that I prayed with my patient, actually I prayed with the family of my patient.  One of my patients has been on the ventilator for two weeks and the family is having to make the decision on whether or not to perform a tracheostomy or not.  Its not a difficult procedure, but it is one that my patient needs.  My attending physician, fellow, and I had a family meeting with the patient’s family and discussed their options.  My attending and fellow left the room after about 20 minutes, and I was alone with the family.  I have a pretty good relationship with the daughter, as she is always there and I usually convey the day to day events to her.

 

While I was going over the option with the family, I had the feeling that I should pray with them.  I’ve prayed with several patients before, and each time I’ve always felt like God was telling me to.  I’ve never been turned down, and I’ve never regretted it.  So, after I explained everything and answered all of the questions I asked if they would mind if we prayed for their mother.  We prayed for maybe a minute, and I felt so glad that I did it.  We were challenged in my Bible study class to pray for patients and to remain a strong Christian in the hospital.  At times it is very difficult to do these things.  However, the closer and closer I come to graduation the more I try to think about what kind of physician I want to be.  I want to be a doctor that prays with his patients.  I think most patients want a doctor that prays with them.