Decisions

I rush in to treat the patient whose heart is not beating right

I take decisions quickly, like a warrior ready to fight

The patient’s life depends on my ability to be quick

For which I rely on extensive experience with patients sick

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A patient in clinic with chronic heart disease I see

I review his condition, his prior tests and treatments extensively

I make gradual changes, a comprehensive regimen outline

After a year or so, the patient is feeling fine

From being short of breath at rest to walking a mile a day

With shared decision-making, he has come a long way

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This dichotomy of decision-making everyday I embrace

I take instant life-saving decisions when I face

A patient with a life-threatening emergency

At the same time patients with chronic illness I see

For them, the decision-making process is slow and deliberate

Incorporating clinical and socio-economic data with patient preferences I create

Sustainable treatment plans to help them thrive

With their illness, go beyond just staying alive

I believe that each decision pathway

Is gratifying in its own special way

To be granted the privilege of saving a life is sacred to me

And people living their best possible lives is encouraging to see

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Decision-making, whether slow or fast, depends

On exhaustive training and years of accumulated experience

With each decision I make, I continue to grow

As along my professional path I go