The loss of patients creates a profound void, emphasizing the absence of traditional memorial practices that families employ for their deceased. Unlike family members who can be remembered through stories and rituals, patients fade from existence, leading to a unique form of grief. This experience highlights the emotional impact of healthcare professionals forming bonds with patients, reaffirming the need for meaningful ways to honor their memories. Acknowledging this loss can inspire ideas for improving care and enhancing connections in the face of mortality.
Physician Adam Cifu keeps a binder of every patient of his who has passed away. Every once in a while, he opens it and remembers the lives of his past patients. Morbid? Maybe a little. But it's just one of the ways Cifu tries to make his practice of medicine more mindful. In this conversation with EconTalk's Russ Roberts, Cifu explores the human side of medicine and the challenges of being a good doctor.