While waiting to start rounding with the pediatric oncologist I was working with, I noticed several nurses in the office filling out forms. Being curious, I asked what they were for. "Donations," she told me. They were donating time. A fellow nurse had an immediate family member who'd recently suffered a stroke. She had used up all her own sick and personal days and in order to help their friend and colleague, the nurses in the office were donating their own sick days so she could continue to care for her loved one. I will never forget seeing every nurse in that office sitting there giving away their precious time to another.
-A Fourth Year Medical Student
Friday, February 18, 2011
No One Dies Alone
In April 2009, OSF Saint Francis Medical Center initiated a No One Dies Alone program. Bringing Compassionate Companion volunteers to the bedside of dying patients who for whatever reason are alone at a time when they are nearing death. This caring presence has brought peace to our patients as evidenced by their vital signs, restlessness, and verbalization. Staff appreciates this support as we continue to treat the whole patient in supporting our mission of “…serving others with the greatest care and love in a community that celebrates the Gift of Life”. As initiator and coordinator of this program it is truly an honor and such a rewarding experience to know that at the final moments of life, our patients have someone who cares at their side.
Debbie Trau, RN
Director, Volunteer Services
Debbie Trau, RN
Director, Volunteer Services
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Thanks from a Grateful Husband
I want to thank Dr. Michele Couri for the amazing care she has provided for my wife. It has been a difficult year for our family, but Dr. Couri's compassion and medical expertise have softened the blows. She is the perfect example of what a "caregiver" should be. Thank you Dr. Couri!
A grateful husband
A grateful husband
Monday, February 14, 2011
Ways that Students Care
As advisor to the Gold Humanism Honor Society, I have collected faculty comments about the students selected for membership. GHHS students are exemplars, but their qualities are also found among many more students. Here are some typical comments:
"He has a genuine enthusiasm for caring for sick children. He brought toys, jokes and smiles when appropriate to help put children at ease. He asked staff at our office what he could do to help, even if it was not immediately obvious that his own learning would be enhanced. He was reflective about patients and their care, and strived to do better each day.”
“She was able to quickly establish rapport with everyone she met, which allowed her to look beyond the chart and paperwork, and see everyone as individuals. … it was evident that [she] has a deep commitment to understand people in their unique situations.”
“He always has a smile on his face and a kind word to say. … At his young age and at his level of training itself, I think he embraced the principle of William Osler that ‘medicine is ultimately about healing the patient, not simply treating the disease’.”
"He learned all of the nurses’ names on a unit. I often hear the nurses commenting on how he is the best med student they’ve ever met. He approaches his patients with the same enthusiasm and openness.”
"She consistently put patients and families at ease, even in her initial contact with them.”
"When he discovered that an elderly patient missed her dog, he recommended the PAWS program so the large Great Dane could come to visit her daily. He took initiative to set this up for the patient. When we rounded the first day after she had seen the dog, she was in much better spirits.”
Linda Rowe, EdD
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
"He has a genuine enthusiasm for caring for sick children. He brought toys, jokes and smiles when appropriate to help put children at ease. He asked staff at our office what he could do to help, even if it was not immediately obvious that his own learning would be enhanced. He was reflective about patients and their care, and strived to do better each day.”
“She was able to quickly establish rapport with everyone she met, which allowed her to look beyond the chart and paperwork, and see everyone as individuals. … it was evident that [she] has a deep commitment to understand people in their unique situations.”
“He always has a smile on his face and a kind word to say. … At his young age and at his level of training itself, I think he embraced the principle of William Osler that ‘medicine is ultimately about healing the patient, not simply treating the disease’.”
"He learned all of the nurses’ names on a unit. I often hear the nurses commenting on how he is the best med student they’ve ever met. He approaches his patients with the same enthusiasm and openness.”
"She consistently put patients and families at ease, even in her initial contact with them.”
"When he discovered that an elderly patient missed her dog, he recommended the PAWS program so the large Great Dane could come to visit her daily. He took initiative to set this up for the patient. When we rounded the first day after she had seen the dog, she was in much better spirits.”
Linda Rowe, EdD
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
Science Alone is not Adequate to Alleviate Suffering
[In regards to the post from Dr. Al Masi]
[Dr. A.T. Masi's] letter accurately depicts our views on humanistic philosophy in medicine that both of us have advocated and nurtured from the beginning of our presence in our institution. I had expressed similar views in an editorial "Suffering, science and sabotage" published in 2004. In that paper, I'd discussed the peril of a dualistic approach to disease and illness, emphasizing that psychosocial issues and effective listening are equally important for both "organic" (those with structural changes, such as RA or CAD) and neurochemical-endocrine pathologies, such as fibromyalgia and overlapping central sensitivity syndromes.
I also opined that science alone is not adequate to alleviate human suffering. There's indeed a place for "placebo, plants and prayer" (p. 13 of that paper) as long as they are innocuous. I'd also added that literature (prose and poetry) helps our humanistic understanding of medicine (p.12-13).
Muhammad Yunus, MD
Department of Internal Medicince
[Dr. A.T. Masi's] letter accurately depicts our views on humanistic philosophy in medicine that both of us have advocated and nurtured from the beginning of our presence in our institution. I had expressed similar views in an editorial "Suffering, science and sabotage" published in 2004. In that paper, I'd discussed the peril of a dualistic approach to disease and illness, emphasizing that psychosocial issues and effective listening are equally important for both "organic" (those with structural changes, such as RA or CAD) and neurochemical-endocrine pathologies, such as fibromyalgia and overlapping central sensitivity syndromes.
I also opined that science alone is not adequate to alleviate human suffering. There's indeed a place for "placebo, plants and prayer" (p. 13 of that paper) as long as they are innocuous. I'd also added that literature (prose and poetry) helps our humanistic understanding of medicine (p.12-13).
Muhammad Yunus, MD
Department of Internal Medicince
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Student's Enthusiasm Lifts Spirits
It is always fun to see this one medical student in the hospital halls, as his enthusiasm is infectious. He seems to be able to energize his entire team no matter what service he is on. Just seeing the person in the hall helps lift my spirits, no matter how my day has been going. Along with energizing me, it makes me want to help spread that enthusiasm to others. This chain reaction seems to continue as it spreads throughout the hospital faster than infection. Medical students are the lifeblood of any hospital and help create the best environment possible and lead to the best patient care possible.
-- a fourth-year medical student
-- a fourth-year medical student
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Care for Children with Cancer
My patients are children with cancer whose medical needs cause financial challenge even to the families who have high income and good health insurance coverage. The collaboration between OSF St. Francis and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, along with the generous donations from local and national sources, make Peoria a center for the delivery of high quality medical care to these children regardless of their ability to pay.
Mohamad M. Al-Rahawan, MD, MPH
Mohamad M. Al-Rahawan, MD, MPH
Kindness Defies Financial Challenges
During the difficult financial times experienced by our community in Peoria in the recent years, I witnessed the kindness of UICOMP staff and students touching many lives through volunteering, donating and caring for some of those who suffered most.
Mohamad M. Al-Rahawan, MD, MPH
Mohamad M. Al-Rahawan, MD, MPH
Caring at the End of a Life
Death is most difficult when it becomes a decision. Making decisions that you know will make it certain, e.g. deciding to discontinue medical care, is extremely difficult, stressful and exhausting as I recently experienced when my father’s medical condition and prognosis proved that death was imminent and that discontinuing medical care was the most humane thing to do to speed the result. An OSF intermediate care nurse (Joe Pilon), and two University of Illinois College of Medicine Internal Medicine Hospitalists (Christy Chen and Swapna Chalasani) skillfully made this process bearable. They applied all current medical knowledge in stabilization with a valliant attempt to regenerate him but he did not respond to treatment. The physicians made the difficult and dreaded call to meet with me. I was surprised by the tenderness and benevolence that they used to give me the facts and choices. To do this with genuine emotion and empathy is a skill not all physicians acquire. Many manage a staged expression of same. It was clear the choice was mine; they did not indicate which was better, but supported whatever decision I made without causing guilt or remorse. My heart knew to discontinue treatment but then my head kicked in. “So what I’m doing is basically killing him.” “No”, they immediately chimed in, “You would be making what will happen soon, happen sooner, but we will ensure that he will make this journey in comfort.” They did so with solace. In addition, the nurses provided for my dad’s care by Passages Hospice, were incredible. To choose a profession to be with individuals to end of life is definitely an answer to their true calling. It takes a special person to give care and comfort, to individuals who may have never really been aware of them to appreciate it, up to their last breath. Genuine tears swept her yes when she shared my grief. These are examples of humanism at its best. – Michelle Wildenradt, in memory of L.V. Pringle.
A Publication that Indicates Commitment to Humanism
I am submitting a publication and current activities that indicate commitment to humanism in UICOMP Rheumatology faculty.
Prof. Muhammad Yunus and I have endorsed and have practiced according to the definition for Humanism in Medicine: Humanism encompasses those attitudes and behaviors that emanate from a deep sensitivity and respect for others, including full acceptance of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Further, humanism is exemplified through compassionate, empathetic treatment of all persons while recognizing each one’s needs and autonomy.
Our publication on a “Person-centered approach” to fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS)
(Masi, A.T.; White, K.P.; Pilcher, J.J. Person-Centered Approach to Care, Teaching, and Research in Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Justification From Biopsychosocial Perspectives in Populations. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, Vol 32, No 2 (October), 2002: pp 71-9.)
Presently, Prof. Yunus and I are preparing a submission for a widely-circulated rheumatological publication on person-centered approach to FMS. Available survey information indicate that most rheumatologists either address this condition dubiously in terms of the reality of the entity or treat the symptoms and manifestations as the primary objectives, rather than managing the needs of the whole person.
The reward for such attitude followed by our UICOMP rheumatologists is that former patients continue to express gratitude for past management, even after many years. The satisfaction is that one can enhance the function and hopes of persons under ones care.
Hoping that these remarks will inspire further commitments to humanistic practice in medicine, especially in Peoria.
Best wishes,
A.T. Masi, MD, DR.P.H.
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria
Thursday, February 10, 2011
OSF Employees Answer the Call
The following is reproduced with permission from Keith's Connection, the OSF St.Francis Medical Center news bulletin. Friday, February 4, 2011; Volume X, Issue 3
Even through blizzard, OSF employees answer the call.
All across central Illinois, we found ourselves digging out from the recent blizzard that dumped over a foot of snow across our OSF service areas. For the first time in many years, our Corporate Office locations, some OSF support services and physician offices were officially closed due to the inclement weather. Hospitals rolled out emergency protocols to keep our patients safe and well cared for. And once again, our employees answered the call.
Maintenance and housekeeping, food service, clinicians and technologists, physicians and nurses. . . all sacrificed their own needs and those of their families, to care for our patients in need. In times like these we are reminded of the impact of our call to serve. By God's grace, we Sisters and our healthcare ministry are blessed with all of you who dedicate your lives to helping others every day, no matter the weather or other interruptions of life. We Thank You! And we also thank your families. Their sacrifices and support of your work at OSF allow for you to live our Mission of serving with the greatest care and love.
Even through blizzard, OSF employees answer the call.
All across central Illinois, we found ourselves digging out from the recent blizzard that dumped over a foot of snow across our OSF service areas. For the first time in many years, our Corporate Office locations, some OSF support services and physician offices were officially closed due to the inclement weather. Hospitals rolled out emergency protocols to keep our patients safe and well cared for. And once again, our employees answered the call.
Maintenance and housekeeping, food service, clinicians and technologists, physicians and nurses. . . all sacrificed their own needs and those of their families, to care for our patients in need. In times like these we are reminded of the impact of our call to serve. By God's grace, we Sisters and our healthcare ministry are blessed with all of you who dedicate your lives to helping others every day, no matter the weather or other interruptions of life. We Thank You! And we also thank your families. Their sacrifices and support of your work at OSF allow for you to live our Mission of serving with the greatest care and love.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Exergaming
I would like to simply recognize all those medical students, dietitians, and nurses involved in the "Exergaming" program throughout the year, a program in which students interact one-on-one with local community children once a week at the Riverplex to teach the value of regular exercise, healthy lifestyle choices and preventative health. The beauty is seeing how positively the children respond to having this mentor in their lives. Despite a hectic schedule these individuals still find time to give back to the community in a creative and positive manner, and should be recognized for this altruism and humanism in medicine!
Peoria Cares about HIV/AIDS
When: Friday February 11, 7:00 pm - till
Where: Panache, 4203 N. Sheridan Rd, Peoria, IL
What: Benefit Concert Featuring Dave McDonald, Brett David, Arcade Across the Room
Cost: $5.00 per person
Why: 100% of the Proceeds will help provide medications for patients with HIV/AIDS
Who: Sponsored by Neutral Ground - First United Methodist Church
Where: Panache, 4203 N. Sheridan Rd, Peoria, IL
What: Benefit Concert Featuring Dave McDonald, Brett David, Arcade Across the Room
Cost: $5.00 per person
Why: 100% of the Proceeds will help provide medications for patients with HIV/AIDS
Who: Sponsored by Neutral Ground - First United Methodist Church
Thursday, February 3, 2011
An Example of Humanism in Medicine from Tucson
Nancy Koff, a Dean at the University of Arizona College of Medicine wrote to the Arnold P. Gold Foundation regarding recent tragic events in Tucson. She shared that Dr. Randall Friese, the trauma surgeon who was in charge of triage as the victims of the shooting came in to the University Medical Center emergency room, was asked in an interview what happened when Rep. Giffords arrived in the ER and what he was doing. He said, "The most important thing I did was hold her hand." He was giving orders at the same time. Dean Koff commented, "...but I think it was powerful that he considered most important his actions of holding her hand, speaking to her and reassuring her that she was in the hospital and would be cared for...."
Inspired by Dr. Friese’s words, the Arnold P. Gold Foundation and Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) Chapters around the country are joining in solidarity on February 14, 2011, to emphasize the power of humanism in medicine.
Linda Rowe, EdD
GHHS Chapter Advisor
U of IL College of Medicine at Peoria
Inspired by Dr. Friese’s words, the Arnold P. Gold Foundation and Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) Chapters around the country are joining in solidarity on February 14, 2011, to emphasize the power of humanism in medicine.
Linda Rowe, EdD
GHHS Chapter Advisor
U of IL College of Medicine at Peoria
What is PeoriaCares?
Here is the complete announcement about the PeoriaCares Project. Pass it along!
PeoriaCares: The Power of Humanism in Medicine peoriacares@uicomp.uic.edu
Gold Humanism Honor Society
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria Through February 21, 2011
The students of the GHHS Chapter of the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria firmly believe that the spirit of humanism is alive and flourishing in Peoria and deserves to be celebrated. We believe that "PeoriaCares," and we need your words to help tell our story.
With your help we will compile this online community "journal" of examples, moments, gestures, acts, decisions, activities, and projects that illustrate the power of humanism in medicine in Peoria. Settings could include hospitals, physician offices, therapy centers, emergency sites, homes or classrooms. Most importantly, we want to share how and where YOU see humanism in action.
Contribute to this project by describing an instance of humanistic, caring, behavior that has occurred or is occurring in a healthcare setting in the Peoria area. This could be something that you have witnessed, or that you yourself have done, or a project that is ongoing. Tell us what happened, where it happened, and how it contributed to better care. How did it make you, and others, feel?
The GHHS adopts this definition for Humanism in Medicine: Humanism encompasses those attitudes and behaviors that emanate from a deep sensitivity and respect for others, including full acceptance of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Further, humanism is exemplified through compassionate, empathetic treatment of all persons while recognizing each one’s needs and autonomy.
DIRECTIONS for Submitting an example of humanism to PeoriaCares:
• Send your example in an email to peoriacares@uicomp.uic.edu • Respect the privacy of others. We ask that you not include names or personally identifying information about patients or their families. • If you wish for your own name and identity to be included with your post, please so indicate. Otherwise, examples will be anonymous.•
To read our PeoriaCares journal, visit the UICOM-P website from February 14 through February 21.
Thank you for being part of a caring community!
Class of 2011 GHHS Members: Stuart Covi, Sachin Jain, Stephanie Kok, Mario Martinez, Stephen Soong, Julia Wirjo
GHHS Chapter Advisor: Linda P. Rowe, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
To learn more about the Arnold P. Gold Foundation and GHHS, visit:
PLEASE PASS THIS ANNOUNCEMENT ALONG TO OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AND STUDENTS IN THE PEORIA AREA. INVITE THEM TO CONTRIBUTE!
GHHS reserves the right to edit submissions, if necessary, for space, spelling, or to protect privacy. http://peoria.medicine.uic.edu There will be a link to the journal from our home page.http://www.humanism-in-medicine.org
PeoriaCares: The Power of Humanism in Medicine peoriacares@uicomp.uic.edu
Gold Humanism Honor Society
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria Through February 21, 2011
The students of the GHHS Chapter of the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria firmly believe that the spirit of humanism is alive and flourishing in Peoria and deserves to be celebrated. We believe that "PeoriaCares," and we need your words to help tell our story.
With your help we will compile this online community "journal" of examples, moments, gestures, acts, decisions, activities, and projects that illustrate the power of humanism in medicine in Peoria. Settings could include hospitals, physician offices, therapy centers, emergency sites, homes or classrooms. Most importantly, we want to share how and where YOU see humanism in action.
Contribute to this project by describing an instance of humanistic, caring, behavior that has occurred or is occurring in a healthcare setting in the Peoria area. This could be something that you have witnessed, or that you yourself have done, or a project that is ongoing. Tell us what happened, where it happened, and how it contributed to better care. How did it make you, and others, feel?
The GHHS adopts this definition for Humanism in Medicine: Humanism encompasses those attitudes and behaviors that emanate from a deep sensitivity and respect for others, including full acceptance of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Further, humanism is exemplified through compassionate, empathetic treatment of all persons while recognizing each one’s needs and autonomy.
DIRECTIONS for Submitting an example of humanism to PeoriaCares:
• Send your example in an email to peoriacares@uicomp.uic.edu • Respect the privacy of others. We ask that you not include names or personally identifying information about patients or their families. • If you wish for your own name and identity to be included with your post, please so indicate. Otherwise, examples will be anonymous.•
To read our PeoriaCares journal, visit the UICOM-P website from February 14 through February 21.
Thank you for being part of a caring community!
Class of 2011 GHHS Members: Stuart Covi, Sachin Jain, Stephanie Kok, Mario Martinez, Stephen Soong, Julia Wirjo
GHHS Chapter Advisor: Linda P. Rowe, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
To learn more about the Arnold P. Gold Foundation and GHHS, visit:
PLEASE PASS THIS ANNOUNCEMENT ALONG TO OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AND STUDENTS IN THE PEORIA AREA. INVITE THEM TO CONTRIBUTE!
GHHS reserves the right to edit submissions, if necessary, for space, spelling, or to protect privacy. http://peoria.medicine.uic.edu There will be a link to the journal from our home page.http://www.humanism-in-medicine.org
Paying it Forward
I would like to nominate Dr. Kelvin Wynn’s physician and medical student community volunteer group, called ‘Pay It Forward’. They get together 1-2 times a month to donate their time to local communities.
For example, they just recently donated time by helping with food service and other responsibilities at the Community Harvest food shelter in Morton, IL. They will also be returning there for more volunteer service on February 5th and 12th I believe.
I think it is great to see such extremely busy physicians and medical students finding time in their schedules to give back to their communities and setting great examples like this.
-Abe
Abraham Hafiz Rodriguez
M2 Medical Student
B.S. Biology / Neurobiology
Monday, January 31, 2011
PeoriaCares
Welcome to the PeoriaCares Blog
Linda Rowe, EdD
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs & GHHS Chapter Advisor
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria
Linda Rowe, EdD
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs & GHHS Chapter Advisor
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria
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