Reflections on Kill as Few Patients as Possible

I recently read Kill as Few Patients as Possible by Oscar London, MD, and I was entertained and deeply reflective. The book is a collection of 56 sharp and humorous essays that offer a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the medical profession. Dr. London's wit is razor-sharp, but beneath the humor lies a wealth of wisdom that resonates with anyone in healthcare—or anyone who has ever been a patient.

One of my biggest takeaways from this book is the role of humor in medicine. Dr. London clarifies that laughter is not just a tool for surviving the high-stakes world of healthcare but an essential part of doctor-patient interactions. I've always believed that bedside manner is crucial, but reading his insights has reinforced how much a well-placed joke or a reassuring smile can impact a patient's experience.

Dr. London doesn't shy away from highlighting doctors' fallibility. He reminds us that medicine is an ever-evolving field, no matter how much experience we gain, and humility is key to becoming a great physician. His explanation resonated deeply with me. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking we know everything, but his words were a refreshing reminder that the best doctors continue to learn, question, and adapt.

One of the book's more thought-provoking aspects is its exploration of ethical dilemmas. Dr. London presents real-world scenarios that force physicians to make tough decisions, often in gray areas without perfect answers. Reading his perspectives made me reflect on my approach to ethical decision-making and the weight of responsibility that comes with patient care.

Dr. London emphasizes the significance of genuinely listening to patients throughout the book. I strive to do this daily, but his reflections reminded me that listening isn't just about hearing words—it's about understanding fears, concerns, and emotions. Building trust with patients isn't just a skill; it's an art.

Dr. London's humor and honesty remind us that while medicine is a science, it is also profoundly human. His reflections have given me a renewed sense of purpose and a reminder to approach each patient with compassion, humility, and a touch of humor.

Have you read Kill as Few Patients as Possible? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Let's discuss them in the comments below!

Exploring The Human Margin: A Deep Dive

This week on the Life Unscripted Podcast

https://open.spotify.com/show/0dR0ojKIY3igJLTEnLVUQ8?si=475b42c08ba440a9

Exploring The Human Margin: A Deep Dive

In episode 13 of the Life Unscripted podcast, hosts Rosabel and Reid unpack the profound insights from Katherine Mees and Quint Stutter's book, 'The Human Margin'. We delve into life's margins, emphasizing how genuine connections and significant growth occur in these spaces. Key themes explored include vulnerability, trust, and human connection, underscoring their critical roles in leadership, workplace culture, and personal relationships. We emphasize the importance of empathy and authentic communication in fostering supportive environments, particularly in healthcare and corporate settings. We conclude with reflections on the impact of small gestures and authenticity in nurturing meaningful connections.

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The Courage to Succeed: A True American Dream. -Book Series: To Billy Jean

 

To Billy Jean

I could not have written this book without talking about Billy Jean. She was beautiful—inside and out—the kind of beauty that wasn’t just seen but felt, radiating warmth and love to everyone who crossed her path.

The moment I met Billy Jean was the summer of 2005, a year of significant changes for me. I had just moved from Tampa, Florida, to Alabama, eager to start fresh and searching for a church home. Something led me to the First Church of the Nazarene in Dothan, Alabama. I still don’t know if it was chance, divine intervention, or both. She was one of the first people to greet me, and from that moment, it felt like I had found something I didn’t even know I was missing—a mother.

Our bond was instant and undeniable. From that first meeting, Billy Jean became one of the most important people in my life. We were inseparable. She welcomed me into her life, home, and family like I was one of her own. I joined her family for countless meals, gatherings, and momentous occasions. Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas mornings were spent surrounded by the love she so effortlessly cultivated. I would spend entire weekends at her home, where her beloved husband, whom I affectionately called “Mr. Billy,” would greet me like I was their daughter.

Billy Jean didn’t just open her home to me; she opened her heart. During some of the most challenging times of my life, when I needed a place to stay or simply a refuge from life’s storms, I knew I could turn to her. Her door was always open, and her embrace was always welcoming. Being with her felt like being at home.

She was my cheerleader and encourager, constantly present when I needed it most. Billie Jean made you feel like you mattered and were worth fighting for and loving. She saw potential in me even when I doubted myself. She wasn’t just a friend or mother figure but a guiding light.

Billy Jean celebrated my milestones as if they were her own. She organized my wedding reception, ensuring every detail was perfect. She also took charge of my graduation party, making me feel honored and loved in ways I will never forget. She had a gift for making every moment special, every memory unforgettable.

She passed away recently at the age of 85. She wasn’t sick; it was just her time to go home to the Lord after a brief illness. That was Billie Jean—always ready, always faithful. Her passing was peaceful, just as her life had been, filled with grace and love.

If I regret one thing, it’s not visiting her sooner, as I had promised. Life distracts us from what’s truly important, and I let time slip away. But even in her absence, I take comfort in knowing that we always stayed in touch, and she always knew how much she meant to me.

Billy Jean was a unique soul, the kind of person you only meet once in a lifetime if you’re lucky. She was proof that angels walk among us. Writing about her here is a tribute and a thank-you to the woman who changed my life in ways I’m still discovering.

Thank you, Billy Jean, for your love, kindness, and unwavering belief in me. Thank you for being a second mother when I needed one most. You will always hold a piece of my heart, and your memory will live on in every act of kindness I pass on to others.

Find out more at www.rosabelunscripted.com

You can find my book "The Courage to Succeed: A True American Dream on: 

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The Courage to Succeed: A True American Dream. -Book Series, Chapter 10

 

Chapter 10

“The struggle of life is one of our greatest blessings. It makes us patient, sensitive, and Godlike. It teaches us that although the world is a whole of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it. -Helen Keller

The struggles

Would you believe me if I told you that I’ve faced bullying more than once in my life? The first time was in second grade when a fellow student, for reasons I’ll never understand, tried to throw me off the balcony. It was a terrifying experience, but my mother didn’t hesitate; she immediately transferred me to a different school. I was so grateful for her quick decision, knowing she potentially saved me from becoming another tragic statistic. My mom wasn’t one to play around with when it came to protecting me, and I applaud her.

Years later, I encountered another bully while working as a receptionist. A girl in the office seemed to enjoy embarrassing me in front of others. However, that situation didn’t last long because I didn’t let it define me. I moved ahead in my career, while she probably remained stuck in the same place. The point is I inherited my mother’s generous heart, and I strive to live by her example. But I’ve noticed that people often mistake my kindness for weakness. They don’t realize that kindness is a strength I carry with me in all my interactions.

Find out more at www.rosabelunscripted.com

You can find my book "The Courage to Succeed: A True American Dream on: 

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The Courage to Succeed: A True American Dream. -Book Series, Chapter 9

 

Chapter 9

“When you are wronged repeatedly, the worst thing you can do is continue taking it--fight back!” ― Donald Trump.

Fight, Fight, Fight…

Success is a courageous journey, a tapestry woven with threads of ambition, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to growth. It's not merely about reaching a goal but about daring to step into the unknown, confronting challenges head-on, and persisting despite the inevitable setbacks. The courage to embrace the discomfort of pushing beyond what's familiar, risk failure, and learn from mistakes fuels resilience, inspires growth, and motivates us to keep going, no matter how tough the road becomes. This courage is within all of us, waiting to be ignited and nurtured.

Within me burns a fire that ignites whenever someone tells me, "No." It's not just a matter of being stubborn—though I admit that stubbornness plays a role. It's about refusing to let others define my limits, to be boxed in by someone else's perception of what is possible. This refusal and determination to push beyond boundaries have been a powerful force driving many of my successes, and I believe it can also drive yours. You can define your limits, refuse to be confined by others' restrictions, and transform barriers into stepping stones.

One defining example of this determination was my journey to secure preceptors for my clinical nurse practitioner training. Financial constraints had already forced me to give up my dream of becoming a physician in Colombia—a dream I still hold close to my heart. This might have been the end of the road for many, but it was merely a detour for me. Some family members didn’t take my ambitions seriously, brushing off my goals as unattainable or impractical. But that lack of support didn’t deter me. My passion burned brighter than any obstacle. I knew I had to find a way around every barrier, and my determination kept me moving forward. Along the way, I was fortunate to find mentors and supportive figures who believed in me and helped me navigate the challenges, but my inner resolve made me persevere.

I'll never forget a comment made during my graduation party after earning my BSN in nursing. Someone remarked, "You’re so smart. Why didn’t you go to medical school?" Though likely well-intentioned, this question revealed a common misunderstanding about the unique value of nursing. Nursing is not a fallback or a compromise; it is a calling, a profession built on compassion, critical thinking, and a deep dedication to patient care. My decision to pursue nursing was deliberate. It was not about settling for less but about finding a path where I could make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Find out more at www.rosabelunscripted.com

You can find my book at https://a.co/d/7j6J2wf

The Courage to Succeed: A True American Dream. -Book Series, Chapter 8

 

Chapter 8

 “Children are God’s love gift; they are heaven’s generous reward.” Psalm 127:3.

Motherhood

During my first pregnancy, I faced an overwhelming challenge with hyperemesis gravidarum, which made it impossible to keep down solid foods. The relentless vomiting, up to nine times a day, took a toll on my body and spirit. Despite this, I held onto the hope that things might improve. Then came the day of my first fetal sonogram, and the world as I knew it began to unravel.

Around week 26, The sonogram revealed something troubling—the ventricles in my baby's brain were enlarged. The doctors couldn't pinpoint the cause and asked me to return weekly for monitoring. As the weeks passed, the ventricles continued to grow, leading to a suspected diagnosis of hydrocephalus. The fetal-maternal doctor began to discuss early delivery and the possibility of placing a shunt if the condition worsened.

By week 31, the situation had become increasingly dire. The decision was made to induce labor at 37 weeks and four days. Less than 24 hours after giving birth, a pediatrician came into my room, speaking as though I had already been briefed. His words blurred together, but the one phrase that stood out” The baby is missing a part of the brain"—plunged me into darkness. My world felt like it was crumbling around me.

Find out more at www.rosabelunscripted.com

You can find my book "The Courage to Succeed: A True American Dream on: 

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The Courage to Succeed: A True American Dream. -Book Series, Chapter 7

 

Chapter 7

“My consciousness of belonging to the invisible community of those who strive for truth, beauty, and justice has preserved me from feeling isolated”. — Albert Einstein

Belonging, Not Fitting

I no longer fit there, but I didn't fully belong here either, so I felt like I was in limbo. That's exactly how I felt. Thankfully, as the years have passed, I've gradually discovered more about myself here than I ever did back there. Speaking out fervently against injustice and what's considered normal but shouldn't become my defining stance. For the longest time, I've refused to accept certain things, like the so-called everyday occurrences that persist in my birth country. I continue to speak out against violence toward children and women; just because it's common doesn't mean it should be accepted. Incivility and entitled attitudes or cultures are not normal and should not be normalized.

There was the Florida teacher who couldn't believe I didn't know what the northern lights were (the irony). Then there were the jokes: as a receptionist, I asked a customer for his last name. He replied, "English." I repeated, "Sir, may I have your last name?" He continued, "English." Finally, I said, "Am I speaking French to you or what?" He responded, "No, my last name is English!"

Once, while paying at a cashier register, the woman asked where I was from, complimenting my beautiful olive skin tone. I said, "Colombia," and she replied, "Oh, South Carolina?" Another woman in line said, "Girl, don't you know where Columbia is? Is that country next to Cuba?" I responded, "Surely it is." After that, I came up with a quirky joke. When people ask where I'm from, I say, "Do you want to know? Ok, I am from the deep-deep south." They inevitably ask, "South Carolina?" I say, "Nope, South America." Embracing my Colombian identity, I found joy in educating others about my culture and heritage, turning these encounters into opportunities for cultural exchange.

Another time, I was called into the boss's office because of complaints that I talked too much about Colombia and smiled too much. My immediate supervisor clearly couldn't stand me. She was consistently critical, making remarks like, "If you're so proud to be Colombian, what are you doing up here?" and "Why are you always smiling?" Or the classic: "Hey, did you pick up the mail yet? The mail doesn't arrive on a donkey here."

Find out more at www.rosabelunscripted.com

You can find my book "The Courage to Succeed: A True American Dream on: 

Amazon

Barnes&Noble