OncoLog, Volume 46, Number 11/12, November/December 2001 Page: Back Cover
12 p. : ill.View a full description of this periodical.
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OncoLog
Department of Scientific Publications-234
M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcombe Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77030www3.mdanderson.org/-oncolog
Address Service RequestedDiaLog
Bedside Manner
Ziya L. Gokaslan, M.D.
Associate Professor,
Department of Neurosurgery
Despite the advances
made in treatment
and rehabilitation
over the past 30
years, a cancer
diagnosis still evokes
fear and helplessness
in almost everyone.
Patients are afraid of
the pain that the
disease could inflict
and of the disfigurement that surgery or
other treatments might cause. Above all,
they are afraid that they will die of the
disease. As physicians treating our fellow
human beings, it is our obligation to be
sensitive to the emotions of our patients.
We must be calm, approachable, comfort-
ing, and accessible. Patients need to feel
that we are available fcr them to talk to
about their illness and the effects of the
treatment they will be receiving.
Greeting a patient by name is always
the first step. Touching the patient, shaking
hands, hugging, or even giving them a kiss
on the cheek demonstrates that you care
about them and maintains the warmth
and human contact that is so needed while
removing the formality that so often limits
real interaction.
It is important to convey that burdens
such as bad news, decision making, and
social, personal, and economic problems
can be shared. A good example is to tell"We must be calm,
approachable, comforting,
and accessible."
the patient that "we" instead of "you"
have a problem that needs to be addressed.
Including ourselves in the process helps
to dilute the fear and anxiety the news
can create and allows us to offer solutions
to the problem and help our patients
make a decision.
I work at a wonderful institution with a
staff that has an incredible array of talents
coupled with tremendous caring-from the
person greeting you at the door all the way
to our president. Our patients show remark-
able courage and strength, endure some-
times painful treatments, and demonstrate
an unmatched determination to continue
with their lives. I have been humbled many
times by the dignity and composure our
patients maintain, even in the face of the
most dreadful situations, and I have always
felt that it is a privilege for me to care for
them.
The least that we as physicians can do
is to respect our fellow human beings in
need and offer our kindness in the most
expressive way possible. We may have the
most advanced technology or science or
offer the most promising new treatments,
but unless we provide the human side of
healing, our efforts will never be truly
successful.
Dr. Gokaslan received the 2001 Faculty
Achievement Award in Patient Care at
M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.OncoLog
The University of Texas
M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
President
J"n Mendelsohn, M.D.
Executive Vice President
and Chief Academic Officer
MargaretL. Kripke, Ph.D.
Vice President for Educational Programs
Stephen P. Tomasovic, Ph.D.
Director, Department of
Scientific Publications
Walter J. Pagei
Managing Editor
Dwn Chatire
Contributing Editors
Julia NI. Starr
Karen Stuyck
Vickie Williams
Kerr L. Wright
Design
Maraya Deign
Photography
Ji Lenoine
Editorial Board
RenaSellin, M.D. Chair
Therese Bevers, M.D.
Thomas Burke, M.D.
David Callender, M.D.
Ka Wah ihan, M.D.
Steven Curle, M.D.
Eduro Diar, Jr ., M.D.
Larry1Driver, M.D.
Faink Fostella, MID.
Lehis Foxha li, M.D.
Robt YGael, M.D.
Seri D i r, ebM.D.
Main H p a gill
Jeffrey Lee, M.D,
rs. Hail. c. enhack,Mns.D.
Moshe. Msot, NM.D.
Shrey iskusnar Patel, NMlD.
Gen.offrey Rob], M.D.
Carol Stelling, M.D.
Erie Stronm, M.D.
David Tuhergen, Ml.
C:hristop{her Wood, NI.
Alan Yasko, M.
Putblished by the Department of Scientific
Publicaionsts-234, The Univ'ersitys of Texas
M . D). Anderson Cancer Cetnter, 1515 Holcuomtbe
Boulevaird, Houstont, Texas 77030, 713-792-3305.
Moade possible in part Iyra gifi from the late
Mrs. HarsyC. W iess. Not prinitedl at state expense.
N C ' AC AterrchenscsCancer
N C ., =ticsnatcidbyvthe
Natina(Cncer Isute
'c8 I OncoLog 2iXtl The LJmtirersiiy tf TexasM. 1). Attlet,,st ( t ?etttev Put
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 7052
Houston, TX8 / OncoLog
Andersn C amce, Cente r Pnnes nn crc paper
2001 The University of Texas M. D.
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University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. OncoLog, Volume 46, Number 11/12, November/December 2001, periodical, November 2001; Houston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth903627/m1/12/: accessed July 18, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.