As you all know, beginning of 2025 I was oscillating between life and death and had to undergo three major and rare surgeries at an interval of two/three months on an average.
The first of these three surgeries was performed by a very experienced and senior surgeon – Dr. T. His team was excellent. The rest of the two surgeries were done by another very experienced surgeon – Dr. S. The only difference between the two was Dr T had a grim and unsmiling countenance whereas Dr. S had a forever cheerful demeanor.
Subsequently, I came to know that Dr T, though an expert in his field, had a very formidable reputation of being extremely stern with the staff and doctors.
Dr. S, on the other hand, was very approachable, kind , compassionate and understanding. While both the doctors belonged to the same field ( gastroenterology) yet most patients preferred to be treated by Dr. S.
I realised treating patients not only required a high degree of medical proficiency but also good bedside manner which played an important role in positive and time bound healing of the patient. While the former cures physiologically the latter gives a boost to the morale and emotional strength to cope with the trauma.
A scalpel heals the body, a smile heals the spirit—strictness plus cheer equals speedy recovery! 😀
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Yes, you’ve just said it. Sometimes if the strictness is injected with a smiling face, more so. Dr. S would keep me empty stomach for days but he did it with such a smiling face I could not get angry with him.
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You are right Geeta ji … it’s compassion that heals 🥰❤️
Wishing you a healthy- creative and happy year in advance 🌷
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Thank you so much Aparna. I wish you the same.
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Beautiful 🤩❤️
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Thank you very much 🙏
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An important distinction yet they both helped you. I trust you will be well for a long time to come
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Thank you so much for your good wishes Derrick. It means a lot to me.
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Personality matters but I am glad they were both expert in their field.
thank you for making me smile! We have a budding gastroenterology in our family and he is similar to the second one 😊
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Woo! Hoo! I am so glad. So are his patients I am sure 😃😃😃
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I hope so too 😊🙏
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It’s a reminder that we aren’t just biological machines to be fixed, but humans who need connection. The contrast you drew between Dr. T and Dr. S perfectly illustrates that healing is as much about the heart as it is about the scalpel. So glad you are recovering well and sharing these insights with us.
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Thank you very much for your apt observation. Yes, healing is not only of the body but also the mind and soul.
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Hope you have recovered fully. A doctor with a good bedside manner makes a lot difference. We feel that we can confide in them. We wish you and your family a healthy and satisfying New Year. Regards, Lakshmi
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Thank you so much Lakshmi. I am in the path of recovery 🙏🙏
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I fully agree with you my friend. A good doctor need to have a reassuring bedside manner too.
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Yes, Sadje. Thank you so much 🙏
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You’re welcome 💖
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I’m sorry you had to go through that, Geeta. May 2026 be a healthy one for you.
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Thank you very much for your good wishes dear Mary
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For 15 years, I was an RN in CCU and medical professionals are just like anyone else, some smile but I believe more don’t! Personally I think it’s so much better when they do smile, at least some, because I have seen the difference in my patients faces after a doctor had talked to them! But it’s not just doctors, it’s also the nurses, aids and lab technicians! Thanks for sharing!
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This is a deeply moving reflection. Your experience beautifully highlights that healing is not just a clinical process but a profoundly human one. Medical expertise saves lives, but empathy, compassion, and bedside manner give patients the emotional strength to endure and recover. Your insight underscores why humane care is as vital as technical brilliance—both together truly heal.
Wishing you a healthy 2026.
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Thank you so much. It is indeed what you call comprehensive healing – one that takes care of physical as well as mental and emotional sides of the patient.
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