Editor’s Letter

Both Sides Now

Recently,afriendofminevisitedKenya,whereshehasbeenhelpingtosupporta school for Maasai girls – who don’t normally get what we would consider even an elementary education. Alhough she has been involved with the school for several years, and has sponsored several girls, my friend’s trip was a revelation to her. She was greeted with great celebration, songs and gifts (the Maasai make fabulous beadedjewelry).Mostpoignantofall,shegotasenseofhowmeaningfulaneducaNEIL GREENBERG tion was to girls who otherwise might have led very marginal lives, and been marriedofftomentheyhardlyknew.Nowhorizonshaveexpandedimmenselyforthese young women, who can imagine a future they never knew about before. Entering a commonprofession–becomingateacheroranofficeworker– isamajorleapupwardforthem,anopportunity to help others, and live a previously unimaginable lifestyle. It reminded me of our industry. Many of you work tirelessly to make sure doctors get the information they need to improve treatment options, to see that patients learn how to manage their conditions wisely and efficiently.Buthowmuchdoyouknowaboutthelivesofthesepatients?Howoftendoyougettoexperience theirjoyatconqueringadisease,orimprovingtheirqualityoflife? You may not be the scientists who developed the drugs or the devices, nor the physicians who have direct contactwiththepatients.But,somewhereinthere,youdeserveashareofthethanksandlaughterthat comes with the results of your products. I’veseenmanyvideosofpatientsexplainingthebenefitsthey’vereceived.I’vebeentomeetingswheresome ofthesepatientsaddressthepeoplewhoworkontheproducts.AndIknowthatthey’rejustasexcitedand gratefulasthoseMaasaigirlswhogreetedmyfriend.Theirhorizonshavebeenexpanded.Theirbucketlists are more attainable. Asanindustry,wespendalotoftimediscussingpatient-centricity(seeTheAuroraProject’sreportinthis issue).Wetendtoseeitasanactivityinwhichwecontinuallymakethepatient’slifeexperiencebetter.But there’sanothersidetopatient-centricity.It’sappreciatingtheresultsofyourhardworkintheburgeoningjoy of people who now have more hope, and bigger dreams.

As always, we continue to look for the value of your contributions. Let us know if you have an idea for an article—the people we write for are the people who write for us.

Neil Greenberg, Editor

To become an HS&M contributing author or provide feedback, please email me at ngreenberg@hsandm.com.

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