Being a physician is a special calling – one that requires patience, discipline, compassion, intelligence, courage, and conviction.
All across Texas, physicians are more than just doctors. To patients, they are trusted allies, confidants, leaders, miracle workers, and friends.
Of course, there are challenges that seemingly grow each day. But the rewards can make those challenges seem small.
The Texas Medical Association is planning to publish a compilation of stories that focus on the joys of practicing medicine, and we’re looking for stories that inspire physicians like you.
For example, do you remember your first patient encounter? Do you have memorable patients, or Good Samaritan encounters? How have family or mentors inspired you? And do you have any amusing medical experiences to share?
Find more information, including guidelines and how to submit your story, on the TMA website.
Below is one of several entries we’ve already received.
"The Stethoscope"
By Shelley Robeniol, DO
Twenty years ago, a nurse preceptor gifted a stethoscope to my dad when he graduated nursing school. My dad, in turn, gifted the same stethoscope to me when I was accepted into medical school. It was to remind me that my parents will always believe in me even when I cannot believe in myself.
It has seen me through four years of medical school, three years of residency, and two years of being an attending. It has been with me through tough times, sad times, and times of accomplishment.
Today it is worn; the earpieces are literally in pieces; and the rubber tubing can no longer transmit heart, lung, or bowel sounds as well as it used to.
But in all that time, it has heard hearts that were healthy, hearts that were failing, and hearts that would never again flutter a beat. It has heard lungs that would expand with the cry of a newborn, and lungs that couldn't expand without the help of a ventilator.
And it has taught me how to listen. Listen to hearts that were hurting, hearts that were hopeful, hearts that have been healed. It has taught me to appreciate and forever be proud of that arduous journey because it is all worth it. Those hearts deserve the commitment it took to complete that journey. It was essential so that I may fulfill the oath to "do no harm."
I love what I do. I'm proud of who I am, too, and what I can be for my patients. And whether it be old or new, I will always willingly, fearfully, and proudly don my stethoscope.
Dr. Robeniol is a family physician in Frisco