A Little Humility
Can Make a Big Difference

As a physician who spent seven years and a small fortune developing the skills to be the best I could be for my patients, I sometimes underestimated the value of nurses, technicians, dietitians, and therapists—essential members of any medical care team. Too often, we also undervalue the role of family and friends in caring for a patient.

In an era of costly hospital stays, crowded emergency rooms, and health care controlled by insurance companies—if we’re lucky enough to have insurance at all—the need for support becomes even more evident. My current experience, as a family member undergoes surgery followed by post-operative nursing, physical therapy, and dietary precautions, has reminded me forcefully just how vital these helpers and caregivers are.

During my 15 years as a medical consultant for the State of California, the best health insurance option was Kaiser Permanente. After retirement, I stayed with Kaiser for its “one-stop” model—primary and specialty care, lab, radiology, pharmacy, and most therapy services all in one place.

Recently, a family member needed surgery after an accident. Kaiser’s orthopedic surgeons have an excellent reputation, confirmed by many friends who have benefited from their skill. Patients typically go home the same day or spend a few days at a physical therapy facility, followed by home visits from nurses and therapists to guide patients and caregivers toward a smooth recovery.

As empty nesters, with our children working full time, we relied on our teenage grandchildren and one daughter to help at night. That allowed me—the doctor now acting as nurse, grocery shopper, cook, and safety supervisor—to get some rest until school and work schedules made their help impossible.

As a doctor, I understand why some progressive policymakers want to reimburse family members who provide such care. They save the health system millions of hours and dollars each year, while allowing patients to recover in the comfort of their own homes

When I was earning my master’s degree in Public Health Administration at the University of Southern California Extension, one of my first instructors made a humbling observation: “More disease is prevented by garbage collectors than by the health care system.”

I would add this: more personal and loving care exists in societies that treat health services as a basic human right, not as a source of profit for stockholders and medical professionals.

~ Ray Blain