A Reminder to Doctors About the Meaning (and Value) of Life, by Peter Bleyer, M.D.

Two years ago, after being fired by a nationwide wound care company for failing to generate sufficient revenue, I left clinical practice greatly disillusioned and carrying a two-year non-compete clause.  Not until three weeks ago, did I again treat a patient, establishing my new clinical practice at a fitness center.

As I was finishing a workout, a man of about 40 sat down at the rowing machine next to me. Not particularly interested in good form, John (not his real name) appeared intent on beating the machine.  The machine resisted.  As I walked away, I heard a loud thud and saw John, collapsed next to the rower, after suffering an apparent cardiac arrest.  Bypassing introductions, a team quickly formed.  With my Saint Mary Miraculous Medal dangling over the patient, I provided chest compressions; another member provided rescue breaths, and a third placed the AED, which provided one shock.  At the hospital, John had a stent placed to open a 90% blockage in one of his coronary arteries and was expected to make a complete recovery.  God had again reminded me, as a physician, that life is a gift we care for. …

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