The longer I work in medicine the more I realize
The practice of medicine is in humility an exercise
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Answers to new questions every day researchers find
With new discoveries new paradigms in treatment are defined
As clinicians we learn to keep abreast
Of the latest developments, in treatments and tests
We think we can confidently diagnose and treat
Common conditions in our specialty, we do that on repeat
We think we know the limitations of our expertise
We can appropriately refer patients to other specialties
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Then comes along a case that appears
Usual in its presentation, we adhere
To accepted guidelines in patient management
But the outcome is unexpected- such an encounter presents
An opportunity to re-examine the limitations
Of existing knowledge, an opportunity for re-education
Such encounters keep us grounded and humble
Once in a while, all of us stumble
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They say patients do not read textbooks before they present
And I’ve realized this is true to a great extent
Each individual is different, and the natural history of each disease
Can change over time, leading to variabilities
In patient outcomes, keeping us from complacency
Truth be told, this is what makes medicine intellectually stimulating to me
Passion...unbridled 