As we discharge another patient from the intensive care unit, we celebrate a job well done. “Can you believe how far she’s come in the past few weeks?” or “I didn’t think he would be able to go home so soon.” With the use of modern technological advancements, we are able to bypass the heart and lungs of patients, and push the limits of life to as early as 22 weeks of gestation. We do so with compassionate care and the collaboration of medical professionals from across the hospital. For every heartbreaking tragedy, there exist stories of medical miracles that surpass all expectations. Under such circumstances, we develop relationships with patients and families until the day of discharge. We cry and laugh together. We whisper on our early morning rounds and burst into song during birthday celebrations. But as quickly as they enter our lives, they leave it; in most cases, we lose touch, never to hear from them again. These are the patients I think about. These are the “triumphs” I question.
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