There are some aspects of being a pediatrician that are difficult - not the long hours or the paperwork. I am talking about dealing with children that are severely ill. Today I had one of those experiences. I saw "Sam" for the first time in four years. I first met Sam when he was two and his parents began to notice he walk had changed. After examining him I became concerned that he had Muscular Dystrophy. A referral to a pediatric neurologist confirmed my suspicions. Not long after that his parents moved away and I lost contact with Sam.
Today I saw Sam for a physical, the first time in 4 years. He is now in his early teens and requires a wheelchair. Initially it saddened me to see the progression of his disease, but as is so common in pediatrics, he soon lifted my spirits. After talking to him, I quickly recognized the same spark I had seen in him four years ago. I was also amazed at the grace with which his parents are dealing with his illness. By the end of visit we were all laughing and enjoying each other and I felt inspired to be able to participate in this amazing boys life.
Douglas Curtiss, M.D.
www.ownersmanualforyourkids.com
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