Reflection from a young doctor who worked with Dr. Aju Mathew

Sharing for any young professional who is seeking an inspiration in their career.

I should say the last 2 months were totally worth it and I'm so happy that i found a mentor in you .. here is just elaborating on some things i observed /learnt from you which i d like to carry forward when i start practice .While most doctors leave their patients at the clinic , you give them a sense of belonging, follow up well, and is available to them at all times .With cancer care , i think more than the medications , its the kind of care and the emotional connection you establish that sets you apart as a doctor . I wonder sometimes how you make cancer care seem so easy.

Another trait i really liked was that you were pretty straightforward with your patients .. you give them an outline of their disease in detail ( with diagrams , the probability of success with drugs etc ) , answer all their questions , clear their doubts ..and most importantly you refrain from giving them false hopes.. you would tell them straight if its curable or otherwise ... but at the same time you are very optimistic and hopeful even when you share bad news.. i think asking patients about milestones they d like to achieve is a very good way of sharing bad news. Im definitely considering that . Moreover i really appreciate that you are sensitive to their reaction to something you ask /say and switch the topic immediately if need be.

I really appreciate your idea of comfort care .As in ,2 months ago , if you ask me if i should ventilate a 90 year old patient breathless with pneumonia ,i d probably say yes . My thoughts are changing .

You are very mindful of someones financial background when you decide on medications trying best not to burden them financially ..Even when i think all doctors should try and do that , i dont think a lot of doctors take into account , the financial aspect when it comes to decision making.

You inspire us to do the same when you pay for someones treatment /get things subsidised for your patients ... more often , its easier said than done.. In fact its very rewarding to see the kind of gratitude those patients have for you ...and it definitely inspires...

Im taking note of how you stress on the importance of decision making , memorising data ,being very open to learning etc ...

Moreover i really appreciate how you are critical about medicines that wont work , telling them that, straight at their face .
This maybe a minor incident , but it actually makes a greater impact.

Talking about neglect of targettable her2 mutations and the oncologists'perception survey , i think you were trying to convey that neglect is totally unacceptable in cancer care.
If at all i become a hemato-onc someday ,Ill remember to treat the biology of the tumor rather than its anatomy.

There were a lot of firsts for me the last 2 months , be it reviewing articles, the book review ,the survey ,the critic article , the presentation on BRCA,or the case publication . Thankyou for preparing me for residency well in advance .

I promise to take up any opportunity that comes my way and ll be bold and confident to answer next time you ask me a question( the american way).

Super grateful for the opportunity.

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Reflection from a young doctor who worked with Dr. Aju Mathew

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