More Than Just A Friend

Abstract

Let me introduce you to some of my friends.My most vivid recollection of Benjamin takes me back to his 5-year-old visit, just before he started kindergarten. He was sitting on the examining table wearing only two things: underpants, on which were emblazoned various superheroes, and a backpack, which proudly displayed the same defenders of the universe. He removed his backpack and said, with a grin, “Wanna see my stuff?” At that moment, the contents of his backpack defined the most important aspect of his world, perhaps his very identity. It made me yearn for a time when things were that simple.Nevaeh was only 2 weeks old when I got to hold her. She stared into my eyes with her penetrating, light brown eyes, a pink headband accentuating her dark curly hair. I wondered then, as I have done a thousand times, what was going on in her mind. What I would give to have just 10 minutes inside the head of an infant! Incidentally, “Nevaeh” is Heaven spelled backwards, and I had a few questions about the place from which she had recently arrived.For some reason, Nicholas occupies a special place in my memory. He was 4 years old at the time, and I was examining his infant brother, who was lying on the table. Nicholas was gazing up at the whole procedure with a look of awe. I had to leave the room temporarily, and as I walked out, Nicholas, a most perceptive and precocious child, proclaimed in a loud voice, “Now there goes a great man!”I have become known among the residents I precept for urging them to do two things in their daily work. One admonition is to take advantage of the joy that is part of interacting with children of all ages. This gift is an integral part of our work, and it is a shame to waste it. Savor Benjamin's pride in his backpack, Nevaeh's innocent but questioning stare, and Nicholas’ unconditional faith in your abilities. Have some fun with the kids. Joke with them and give them high fives. It will make your day, and maybe theirs, and will go a long way to neutralize the effects of volume overload, red tape, and fatigue.The other mantra I tend to repeat is, “Look in fundi!” This instruction refers not just to eye examinations, but is a metaphor for “Prepare yourself. Learn what you have to learn. Give the patient what he deserves.” Funduscopic examination takes practice, and the excuse, “I didn't look in the fundi because I'm not very good at it” is not sufficient. Get good at it. As important as it is to enjoy the children, they are not in the office primarily to socialize but to receive medical care, and we are there to give them the best possible care, the highest quality evaluation, judgment, and management.As we start Volume 33 of Pediatrics in Review, all of us involved in the production of the journal (and there are a great many, from authors and reviewers to editorial board members to staff) recognize the role we play in preparing our readers to provide the best care to their patients. The main service we offer is knowledge. We attempt to convey that knowledge clearly, with an emphasis on the evidence that backs it up.We strive to be comprehensive, covering the broad spectrum of pediatric medicine. Although our core content is based on the content specifications of the American Board of Pediatrics, we are alert to topics outside that core that deserve coverage. We listen to your feedback and will continue to do so. Concepts of adult education, which are constantly being refined, affect the manner in which we present our material.So come along with us on another year of learning so that we can give our patients the best we have. And along the way, we just might make some good friends and have a little fun.