Reflections on humanism

A special group of Baylor trainees reflected on what humanism in medicine means to them – and they are in a unique position to provide such insight as the latest inductees into the Baylor College of Medicine chapter of the Gold Humanism Honor Society.

Sixty-five new members were inducted into the society at the March 9 ceremony, including medical students, residents and – for the first year – faculty. The Gold Humanism Honor Society is an international organization that recognizes, supports and promotes the values of humanism and professionalism in medicine. Established in 2002, it is named for Dr. Arnold P. Gold, a child neurologist at Columbia University, and its mission is to work within and beyond medical education to inspire, nurture and sustain lifelong advocates and activists for compassionate patient care.

Some of the inductees’ personal reflections follow:

Raymond Verm recounted the story of realizing that no one had explained to a 17-year-old gunshot victim that he had been left paralyzed. The job fell to Verm, who told his patient, “You got this man,” and continued to tell him every day to be strong.

“Humanism didn’t enter my mind, all I knew was I had to help him. Humanism means nothing without action to back it up.” – Raymond Verm

Diana Whitney treated a morbidly obese teen who showed symptoms of early diabetes. He was an engaged patient but Whitney sensed that his mother was upset. She learned that the boy’s brother had been seen recently in the emergency room but died there. She made sure that her patient and his mother didn’t feel overlooked.

“Humanism means remembering that patients are more than their diagnoses and hearing their stories.” – Diana Whitney

Laura Hiles recalled her own experience as a teen who faced a difficult time after the death of her brother in a car accident. Feeling lost, she turned to a teacher who had let Hiles know that she wanted to help. She learned early on that you don’t have to be a doctor to display humanism.

“Humanism is noticing the things around you – it could be a colleague, it could be a patient – and then you do what you can for them, when you can.” – Laura Hiles

Medical student inductees: