KevinMD September 18, 2024
A physician in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) requires vast medical knowledge along with emotional resilience. I always thought I had a strong sense of compassion for my patients and their families until I had my own baby 1.5 years ago. It completely shifted my perspective. I started to understand parental grief and fear on a personal level, which reshaped my approach to work.
Before having a baby, I was confident in my ability to empathize with parents and help them through their darkest moments. I approached each case with a combination of clinical knowledge and emotional support, offering comfort during the worst moments of their lives. However, becoming a parent has deepened this empathy in ways I could...