10/18/2025
When doctoring (med school included) is the only life I’ve known the past 27 years, I’ve learned that hospitals are a community’s medical foundation and lifeblood for which “everything else” medical depends. And a strong medical team begets an even stronger capable hospital. But the reality remains that EVERY hospital is simply a building. And a building doesn’t nurture or foster patients. But if we imagine that our hospital is a fabulous and formidable fortress filled with our OWN fellow community members of physicians, nurses, therapists, radiology and surgical techs, support staff and departments; all dancing in rhythm to better perform Tchaikovsky or the Nutcracker ballet ; then we can better understand that this simple building shouldn’t be as easily labeled or underestimated based off its mortar, facade, or zip code. I’ve done this in 5 states, 7 cities, and through too many terrible mortgages to not see the magic of a medical symphony played just right. The same prestigious healers who dazzle in the big city- from House to Grey’s Anatomy to St Elsewheres— are also the same healers in our zip code who likewise trained at the same TV respected and revered medical institutions of learning. Maybe just not as much hair product OR inappropriate workplace relationships.
So I often wish, that the unaware public could witness the menagerie or men and women who fabulously help and heal our Berry non-paid actors who actually inhabit our town on the daily. I can fully understand that when we’re at our most vulnerable, scared, unstable, and sick, that we need the most perfect experience or outcome to satisfy our hospital expectations. Our health and humanity supersede any mortal machinations or material possessions. For “who the bell tolls” leaves none of us unaffected. And when the victories and miracles do happen, we know that our patients and families are grateful and appreciative for another day. And truth be told, sometimes our greatest gifts and abilities as a hospital is to compassionately guide a patient and family to a graceful goodbye when their mortality has met its limits.
. I’m gonna do a better job of celebrating and promoting the things we do well and worthwhile. And Iberia Medical Center, the menagerie and the building , deserve my Friday positive affirmation.
