19 Comments
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Swarnali Mukherjee's avatar

Wonderful essay John! Riveting and necessary things you brought to focus here and done it with such grace. Thank you for this read 💜

I have often wondered about taking space. It is not something that is permitted by design to everybody, as you have effectively shown in this narrative. I think wilfully taking up space too, is an act of rebellion against systems that keeps the hierarchy intact.

John Lovie's avatar

Thank you so much, Swarna

Jenovia 🕸️'s avatar

This was beautiful and infuriating. Thank you for writing this, John.

John Lovie's avatar

Thank you so much, Jenovia

Marya Hornbacher's avatar

Such a fantastic piece. I feel lucky to have had the chance to watch it emerge!

John Lovie's avatar

I feel lucky to have had your input. Thank you!

Antonia Malchik's avatar

I found myself unexpectedly in tears by the end of this, John. Thank you.

Also: "I don’t correct people,” she says, correcting him, 😂

John Lovie's avatar

Oh, Nia, thank you so much.

And thanks for spotting my wordplay there!

Catherine Bachy's avatar

Thank you so much John. I read every word. Astute, compassionate. Makes the point with grace.

John Lovie's avatar

Catherine, thank you so much!

Charles Clark's avatar

Another well told story John. Unfortunately, I think it is not a couple of generations until we see changes. It has been this way as long as there have been groups of people. The tribal trait is built in to human nature.

Kirie Pedersen's avatar

A must read for everyone. Analyzing our health care system from the point of view of patients of varying backgrounds, as well as the experiences of the always overworked staff as you have here is brilliant. I hope your patient is feeling better by now.

John Lovie's avatar

Thank you, Kirie, and yes, her recovery is right on track.

Paulette Bodeman's avatar

Great essay, John! It's been fun being in Zoom class with you.

John Lovie's avatar

Thank you, Paulette, and you too!

Paul Corman-Roberts's avatar

Great column John! Do you watch "The Pitt?" I highly recommend it if not, if you can stomach the surgical scenes...it deals with everything you're discussing in this piece...all of it extremely important as to how our medical professionals are dealing with the dysfunction of a profit driven health care system.

John Lovie's avatar

Thanks Paul!

I haven’t seen “The Pitt,” but I’ve heard good things. I’ll check it out.

Paul Corman-Roberts's avatar

The show really aligns with everything you're talking about here, albeit in a much more hectic environment (an ER room of course.)

Mary Beth Rew Hicks's avatar

May it be so. I appreciate you, John!