By: Sahana Shiggaon, PGY2

As physicians we spend countless hours at the bedside, teaching our patients to better understand their health conditions and empowering them to make informed decisions. However, as I advance through my medical training, I find that more often than not, I leave the patient's room having learned valuable lessons myself. These lessons have come in various forms—some subtle, conveyed through seemingly casual remarks, and others more deep insights from life. Among these, two particular lessons have stood out to me over the past year.

Lesson One: Resilience In The Face Of Adversity 

As a resident physician interested in hematology-oncology, some of the most profound lessons I’ve learned about resilience have come from the patients I’ve encountered in the heme-onc clinic. While resilience is not necessarily a trait I would consider one of my strengths, it is something I’ve had to actively cultivate over the past year. In late June 2024, I unexpectedly lost my father in a terrible swimming accident while he was on vacation. One moment I was talking to him on the phone about my last stretch of CCU nights and four hours later I received an unimaginable call from a stranger that he was caught in a riptide and unfortunately drowned. I still think about that phone call and how the words spoken to me sounded unintelligible through my own sobs and disbelief. That period following his death is hard to articulate but I imagine the way I felt in those hours and weeks following that phone is similar to the shock and devastation that many of our patients experience when confronted with life-altering diagnoses. While I grieved for my father, many patients will grieve for their former lives or a lost future with their loved ones. My patients’ quiet strength and determination to persevere against overwhelming odds has taught me that resilience is about finding the courage to move forward despite the challenges. For some, resilience comes naturally; for others, like myself, it is something we must work to develop. Although it is not easy, I follow my patients’ lead in my commitment to choose forward momentum, even when the path ahead seems uncertain.

Lesson Two: Gratitude for the small things in life

Residency is arguably one of the most demanding stages of our careers, and it can often feel challenging to find appreciation in the everyday moments. However, over the past several months, I have come to realize that it’s important to pause and appreciate the simple things—to take in the view from each mile marker along the way. Caring for my patients has taught me that finding joy in the small moments can itself be a source of fulfillment and joy. During my ICU rotation, I cared for a young mother who was admitted with acute liver and renal failure. As her condition deteriorated, I was deeply struck by her end-of-life wish: to help with her son’s bath and bedtime routine one last time. The simplicity of her request prompted me to reflect on what I might choose had I been in a similar situation. The answers I arrived at were all grounded in everyday moments—simple, meaningful things that are easy to overlook. It has encouraged me to slow down and appreciate the beauty in life instead of rushing towards big events. 

I am grateful for the privilege of caring for my patients, and I feel that in many ways they have cared for me as much as I have cared for them. I look forward to many more years in medicine where I will undoubtedly learn many more valuable lessons.