Introduction

An Anesthesiologist’s Note ‧ I thought that managing a hospital in this rural township wouldn't be much help to the local patients. These patients aren't able to visit the hospital very often. When they are finally able to get here for care, it is often too late. ‧ When “holding on” doesn't teach you to cherish what you have, life will teach you the lesson of “loss”. ‧While I am in the clinic, I dread the moment when the door opens. When the door opens, another patient enters my life, and we both suffer. The patient suffers from their illness, and I suffer from their suffering. ‧ There are times when you don’t know if a miracle is about to happen, or if death is waiting ahead. There are times when you wonder if you are torturing the patient or if it is the other way around. What’s more, you never know if you should keep on trying or just let go. ‧ I believe that when life is at its end and there is a pair of hands to hold tightly, death might not be so frightening. ‧ You will realize that there are still many compassionate doctors fighting for patient's well-being in this nearly broken medical system. When you see them suffering through the shifts of little to no sleep, trying to stay awake when they are worn out, that is when you see hope in the times of darkness.