A spiritual check-up amid realities in medical advances
(This is the conclusion of a twopart article written by Dr. Ricardo Ledesma. The first part appeared in this column’s issue of November 8, 2018.)
ADEEPER understanding of a doctor’s work, considered the noblest profession, is imperative. According to bioethics, we doctors must practice professionalism DEVOID OF SELFINTEREST.
A doctor-patient relationship starts with the routine checkup, and this initial encounter is crucial as the doctor gathers information from the patient so that a health care program can be developed. A maximum of ten minutes, however, would not suffice.
As in any relationship, it’s important to put God in the center. This means that we physicians should always relate to God our plans, thoughts, and desires with regard to the care of our patients. We must trust Him completely.
Biblical teachings exhort us to be Christ-centered in our doctor-patient relationship. With God’s presence in our practice, we physicians would get better guidance, direction, advice, and protection — thus giving us more confidence in the care of our patients.
Spiritual markers are available at the crossroads in our relationship with our patients — reminding us physicians in so many ways that God is the sole giver of Life.
Sacred scriptures further show how God is ever-sensitive to the needs of His children, He anticipates every cry for help from a baby. He looks upon us with more than the love, care, and comfort of a nursing mother.
Placing God in the center of our doctor-patient relationship basically means the same. We physicians should be like Christ, and make God a dominant factor in the success of our mission to provide healing and wellness to our patients.
Drawing near to God in our relationship with our patients requires us to take two actions, namely:
First, we must cleanse our hands, our way of living; and, second, we must purify our hearts, make our thoughts, attitudes, and motives pleasing in the eyes of God, and in harmony with His plans.
In the normal practice of our profession, we hardly assess our patients’ spiritual status and needs. We don’t include in our medical screening a good spiritual check-up. As baptized C h r i s t i a n s , h o w e v e r, w e d o c t o r s should always realize that God is the author and giver of life, our great healer and protector.
Initiating a spiritual check-up for our patients could help bring God’s healing power to them and the assurance of His promise that “I will be with you.”
Performing a spiritual checkup on and with our patients is also illuminating to both parties. Similar to making a good confession, it takes only five steps:
1. Examination of conscience. Recall your lifestyle in all aspects of physical, emotional, moral, and spiritual.
2. Contrition for sins. Recognize and accept possible causes of health problems and be sorry for them.
3. Purpose of amendment. With humility and honesty, assure your doctor that you will give up unhealthy habits that brought about the illnesses.
4. Obedience to God’s commandments. Strictly follow medical advice and live a healthy lifestyle.
5. Fulfillment of penance. In addition to the normal routine of medical checkup and follow-up, attend mass on holidays of obligation and participate in corporate works of mercy.
*** CHRISTMAS DÉCOR AT QCSC MAY BE LAVISH BUT AWESOME. There is general consensus among passersby and motorists along E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue that one of the eyecatching Yuletide decorations among private corporate establishments in the Capitol City is that which adorns the Quezon City Sports Club. It blends well with the heavily greened surroundings of the almost three-hectare leisurely sports and family club.
Easily the center of attention among children of members is the “dancing life-size Santa Claus at the ground floor entrance to the bowling lanes of the main clubhouse where there is a Western Christmas Village, complete with dancing villagers, circling locomotives, and ground acrobats.
Truly a delight of the season for the members and their families.
FORMER IFUGAO GOVERNOR AND CONGRESSMAN GUALBERTO “BERT” LUMAUIG, AT 85, WRITES ‘30’. The former newsman and a government Public Information Minister died peacefully in his sleep November 18 after a short illness. He graduated from UST with a degree of Bachelor of Philosophy in Journalism in March 1956.
In 1967, he became the first provincial governor of the Province of Ifugao. He also won as assemblyman and later became MECO ambassador to Taiwan. Bert became popular for having authored a best-selling book, “Into the New Horizon: Ifugao.”