Department of Medicine
Connecting Tec h n olog y, Educ ation a n d D iscov e r y w i t h H u m a n i s m i n M e d i ci ne
Vol. 1, Issue 2 Oct. 2012
Healing While Curing
Our society sometimes comments that healthcare is too focused on science and technology—not on the person, resulting in a cold and impersonal healthcare experience. Several divisions in the Department of Medicine, however, actively counter this accusation by demonstrating their attention to patients, families and the community. At the University of Tennessee Medical Center Cancer Institute lives an interdisciplinary culture that combines use of the best technology with attention to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of cancer patients. Highly trained cancer specialists, doctors and nurses offer a broad array of interdisciplinary, comprehensive services, including state-of-the-art surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, as well as advanced technologies such as CyberKnife radiosurgery and implantable radioactive spheres. Yet, in this same building one might be greeted by a dog eager to have its ears scratched, thanks to the volunteers from the H.A.B.I.T. program (Human Animal Bond in Tennessee: http://www. vet.utk.edu/habit/index.php). One might also hear a string quartet, a harp or a violinist, courtesy of the Knoxville Symphony. Support groups, massage therapy, yoga, exercise and nutritional and psychosocial counseling are available. And finally, there is “ChemoBear,” a humble ambassador of the cancer institute. ChemoBear presides over the chemotherapy infusion room when not traveling with patients, promoting special events, or providing information about cancer prevention and early detection. To some, he is just fluff and fur, but to those who smile at his button eyes, he represents comfort, laughter and a caring human touch.
ChemoBear brings more than a smile to the patients in the Cancer Institute. He represents a caring human touch.
Grand Opening of the New Cancer Institute A new expanded Cancer Institute opens this month on the campus of University of Tennessee Medical Center. This 108,000-square-foot, four-story building will offer comprehensive cancer care, including all Outpatient Services, under one roof. For more information about the grand opening, scheduled for October 16, visit www.utmedicalcenter.org/cancer.
Points of View
I often encourage my students to think about the greatest healers in human history. The next, somewhat rhetorical, question I pose to them is “How many of them were physicians?” As clinicians we must be cognizant of the much broader scope of healing and the fact that healing is of higher value than treatment. Treatment requires an accurate diagnosis and institution of appropriate therapies, but healing requires a deeper understanding of patients as individuals, their fears and apprehension. Rajiv Dhand, M.D., Chair Healing could involve a soothing touch, a hug, meditation, prayer, music, therapy with pets and many other measures that do not require laboratory tests or expensive medications or procedures.
I feel extremely frustrated and saddened when patients relate that they have been told by their physicians that there is nothing the physicians can do for them. A recent experience with one of my patients left an indelible impression on me. This patient was in severe pain, had no social support other than some concerned neighbors, was crippled by lung disease yet smoked heavily and had given up on life. When I first saw her, she had tried to commit suicide. Over a period of a few months, her faith has been restored by support from her friends and social workers. This has helped her to quit smoking, and medications have helped her to breathe without supplemental oxygen. Her lung function has improved to the extent that it is now safe for her to have much needed surgery. She has had an absolutely amazing transformation and is facing life with renewed vigor and hope! There is no doubt in my mind that many factors other than those related to her treatment contributed to her restoration. Her recovery reminds me that as clinicians we must not only treat the disease but also try to heal the person who has the disease. 1