HIGH PRIESTS AND PHYSICIANS
The genetic patterns, Torah documentation, and experience, going back more than 3000 years, are consistent. Our family line was charged, not only with priestly functions, but with the ethical, moral, diagnostic and therapeutic functions of physicians. Lepers were our responsibility, and in a sense, modern-day lepers remain our responsibility.
In the DeNardo lecture series, at Santa Clara University last night, Stanford's Abraham Verghese, MD, brought this long tradition into current practice. His emphasis on the human values of focused concentrated listening to, and observation of, patients through touch, emotional contact, and allocation of time and attention were not in conflict with our electronic age. Verghese recognized electronics, computers and many other modern technologies as adjuncts (sometimes distractive) to care, rather than as the essence of care. Patient care requires humanity, maturity, exquisite professional knowledge and a willingness to take the risks of professional closeness.
Verghese merged the priestly and physician function required to properly care for patients, continuing the tradition which has produced great doctors, comfort and healing, and appropriateness of care and resources. The message is old and contemporary.
The genetic patterns, Torah documentation, and experience, going back more than 3000 years, are consistent. Our family line was charged, not only with priestly functions, but with the ethical, moral, diagnostic and therapeutic functions of physicians. Lepers were our responsibility, and in a sense, modern-day lepers remain our responsibility.
In the DeNardo lecture series, at Santa Clara University last night, Stanford's Abraham Verghese, MD, brought this long tradition into current practice. His emphasis on the human values of focused concentrated listening to, and observation of, patients through touch, emotional contact, and allocation of time and attention were not in conflict with our electronic age. Verghese recognized electronics, computers and many other modern technologies as adjuncts (sometimes distractive) to care, rather than as the essence of care. Patient care requires humanity, maturity, exquisite professional knowledge and a willingness to take the risks of professional closeness.
Verghese merged the priestly and physician function required to properly care for patients, continuing the tradition which has produced great doctors, comfort and healing, and appropriateness of care and resources. The message is old and contemporary.
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