Salute to an Unknown Doc
Just as my commuter train pulled into New York's Penn Station this morning, a man in his 60s or 70s a few rows behind me, traveling with a woman whom I assume was his wife, was simply not coming to. A few people asked if there were a doctor in the car. Soon a young man went up to the couple, and was talking to the man, who came to, but seemed dazed and confused. An emergency medical team was on its way. It looked as though the fellow would be all right.
You always hear about callous New Yorkers, etc. In this case, the passengers were quiet and polite, trying to get out of the way. As for that young doctor, what a tremendous, calming, authoritative manner he had. It was something to behold, watching him do his work on that crowded train.
A salute to that unknown doc, who brought his gifts to a man in need -- and gave the rest of us a glimpse of what medicine looks like on its finest days.
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Comments:
Feb '11
Re: Salute to an Unknown Doc
Don't all doctors do that?
Re: Salute to an Unknown Doc
I can't be the only one worried that he's about to get sued somehow.
Oct '11
Re: Salute to an Unknown Doc
New Yorkers are callous when it comes to driving, but on mass transit the majority of commuters are very courteous...
Nov '11
Re: Salute to an Unknown Doc
The phrase "callous New Yorkers" caught my attention. In multiple visits to New York City in the last decade, I have not experienced that stereotypical attitude. Quite the contrary, in fact. The overwhelming majority of folks I've encountered were courteous and even, shockingly, friendly. Numerous people have gone out of their way to help me out of my daze and bewilderment. A story like this, happening in New York City, shouldn't surprise anyone.
Nov '11
Re: Salute to an Unknown Doc
It's the accent, tone and phrasing. When I was young and a tour guide I would find myself often itching to slap the NY and NJ folk (and I'm pretty non-violent) until I realized they were actually very friendly and I was reacting to their way of speaking not what was actually being said. That is why I always find it hilarious when people talk about the way Palin speaks.
May '11
Re: Salute to an Unknown Doc
Thanks for that post. As a young physician myself, I hope that's how I sound.
Nov '11
Re: Salute to an Unknown Doc
Thanks for making the "unknown" known to us!
May '12
Re: Salute to an Unknown Doc
I find that big city folk, including New Yorkers, are not callous or rude, but impatient. They want to get about their business. That's all there is to it. Don't waste their time.
As for the doctor, it's great he was able to help, even if it was to reassure the patient.