> A MOTHER’S WORDS OF WISDOM

“Never be afraid to ask questions. I like to tell our medical trainees about the Hausa proverb that says, ‘Mai tambaya ba ya bata.’ This means, ‘The one who asks questions won’t go wrong.’ Don’t be afraid to cry with your patients. You will learn to share difficult news — about cancer, disability, dementia and much more. As you empathize with patients in these difficult conversations, it’s not a bad thing if tears come to your eyes. It’s okay for them to know that you share their pain. Be thankful for the Canadian health-care system. You should not have to turn patients away from basic medical care because they lack the means to receive it.”