Credos of Our Calling – Patience

Patience • CREDOS OF OUR CALLING

“Patience is the companion of wisdom.” – St. Augustine

Almost everyone is familiar with the adage, “Patience is a virtue.” The phrase, though seemingly innocuous, is replete with meaning.

Indeed, patience or tolerance is the capacity to endure challenging circumstances in the face of delay. It embodies a forbearance of provocation without responding in frustration or becoming disagreeable, and it suggests restraint and self-control when under stress, particularly when faced with protracted adversity or complication. Patience is the level of intestinal fortitude that one can sustain before exhibiting negative behavior. The character trait of being resolute also is associated closely with patience.

Patience is essential to the medical arts. As William Shakespeare noted, “How poor are they that have not patience! What wound did ever heal but by degrees?”

Truly, moral character is an evaluation of the stable qualities of an individual. The concept of a patient character can imply a variety of attributes, including the existence of good behaviors or habits that support a patient demeanor or comportment. Such patience refers to the assemblage of qualities that distinguish one individual from another. Patience has been said to be the key to joy. “Patience with others is love, patience with self is hope, patience with God is faith,” explained Adel Bestavros, the noted Egyptian lawyer and theologian.

One who is possessed of a great aptitude for patience courts genius, for the ability to be patient and to endure delay, trouble, pain, or hardship strengthens character and builds one's virtues. Albert Einstein once commented, “It is not that I am so smart, it is simply that I stay with problems longer than most.” Few paths are too long for one who proceeds with determination and with a patient spirit.

Unquestionably, those in the medical profession must rely upon patience and a steady core of character to best serve patient and practitioner alike. One who is possessed of the ability to master patience is likely to more readily find success and peace of mind. For this reason, patience is an indispensable Credo of Our Calling.