On Being a Neurosurgeon

You must remember the good and try to forget the bad. You treat every patient that comes before you with the attitude that "whatever you do for the least of my brethen you do for me." Try not to make social judgements, concerning your patients. In this regard, do what you do for them without consideration for remuneration or payment but only because it is something that has to be done and it has to be done well and by the best.

It is better to give and to serve rather than take and receive. You must remain humble in your dealings with your fellow man despite receiving and learning a great deal during your training. Always avail yourselves to others especially their families. Even though you are well trained and extremely adept, you are not the most important person in the world.

Think always of your patients as people rather than as cases and numbers. It is okay to feel pain, misery and hurt of patients even though you must remain objective and strong.

Do not be afraid to touch and hold your patients for there are other ways to give comfort besides operations and drugs. You can do all of this and still be neurosurgeons.