Bit by bit I see chipping away
My once unbridled enthusiasm every day
I want to channel my energies in one place
On my patients, but my cognitive space
Is occupied by umpteen tasks unproductive
I have no more bandwidth left to give
Any more to this hallowed profession
With a heavy heart I make this confession
In documenting information meaningless
In jumping hoops through a convoluted process
In trying to please all those in power above me
I am missing the forest for each imposing tree
I fear what would happen if I no longer cared
For my patients’ well being- some days I worry I am there
I find feelings of sympathy ebbing out of me
How would I be a doctor without empathy?
Passion...unbridled 