and women wailing in the village . Ray told me the little girl had died and they were mourning . Ray and I went to the village and sat with the family for hours , and I was again adversely affected by a death wondering to myself , what had I missed ?
Another time , I took care of a friend ’ s grandmother in the ICU with the diagnosis of cardiogenic shock . She had a keen mind before her sudden demise , and the family appropriately wanted us to be aggressive in our treatment plan . Nothing worked . That Friday morning , the grandmother was cold , clammy and barely responsive . The family asked me to discontinue all treatment and send her to the floor where she could die peacefully with her family surrounding her . When I left for the weekend , we were all prepared for her death . I came back Monday and her name was still on the patient list . I ran up the stairs to the 6th floor . When I walked in , Grandmom was sitting up in bed and said , “ I hear you gave up on me ,” and we all started laughing . I had no medical explanation .
While I marvel at today ’ s advanced technologies in medicine , my memories are filled with my relationships with patients , staff members in all levels of care and colleagues , far more than with the new technology from my era . I am thankful for all these individuals . I am thankful for my wife and children who not only gave me support but went on many mission trips with me . I am thankful to God who stood by me even though I fell short in obedience to Him many times .
Where has medicine taken me over the years ? Initially , I learned the science of medicine through rigorous training and subsequently , we all learned together , during years of practice with colleagues . The art of medicine was learned from interacting and learning from colleagues , staff and patients . Just like any caregiver , I grieved the death of a patient and the sorrow that resulted for the family . At the same time , many patients and their families taught me death was conquered for them by faith in a loving God who promises eternal life .
We live in the 21st century where there is more scientific , archeological and historical evidence for God and Jesus than at any other time in history . However , through these stories God has shown me His grace and mercy and love time after time . A career in medicine is rewarding because daily we can utilize our learned skills ; but more importantly , we are allowed to honor the two great commandments : love God and love your neighbor as yourself .
Dr . Dageforde is a retired interventional cardiologist .
GLMS FOUNDATION SENIOR PHYSICIANS SPEAKER SERIES
Make sure to add these dates to your calendar so you don ’ t miss out ! May 7th | June 4th | August 6th | September 3rd | October 1st | December 3rd
All meetings will take place at noon via Zoom . The program is free and open to GLMS members and their guest . Please contact us for more information on the programs and how to access the meetings .
Senior Physicians Committee Chair , Dr . Sam Yared , has several speakers already lined up , but is always looking for new ideas . If you have suggestions on potential speakers or topics , please reach out , we would love to hear your ideas !
Missed a recent program and want to catch up ? Contact us for a link to the recordings . foundation @ glms . org | 502-736-6366
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