Feet, face shields and keeping faith

Food and feet are not the best combination, but defying the odds my podiatry practice is situated between two restaurants. My patients and I have a good laugh at our preference of food aroma over “foot stench.” But podiatrists do not smell feet in the same way as others. Odours literally help diagnose various foot conditions. But, my sense of smell is blocked as I continuously keep a mask and shield on my face. Welcome to patient care in the time of COVID -19.

As it is challenging to fulfil our basic bodily needs without compromising PPE, I am grateful that it is Ramadan so I don’t have to worry about food and water. While the days are more challenging on an empty stomach, the power of faith and the privilege of helping others keeps me happy and fulfilled.

Thus, to me, the connection between faith and medicine is an obvious one. Having faith in something bigger gives us the strength to make difficult decisions impacting someone else’s health and life. So, whether it is the Sikh doctors in Montreal shaving their beards to use N95, the Muslim clinicians that are fasting, or other health care providers having a faith, the shared belief is saving and serving humanity.

As patients, as neighbours, as community members, a smile, a thank you, or a note of gratitude from you helps us keep going. As we all navigate through this pandemic, have faith in humanity and trust that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and that we will make it there, if not today then tomorrow.

Dr. Sadaf Balouch, Saskatoon