A Painting, the Patient, and What Matters.

Let’s be clear. Physicians were extraordinary, compassionate, skilled, resilient human beings prior to being thrust into media headlines by COVID-19. If ‘all the world’s a stage’ as Shakespeare famously suggests, then COVID has turned up the stage lights on a cast of characters that traditionally labor in the crevices of our lives.

Dr. Michael C. Luciano crafts words that perfectly capture the aura created when the doctor-patient relationship is prioritized and valued – “I am here for you is what each patient deserves to feel.” During this challenging time, when doctors long for more answers and solutions for their patients, he recognizes “At this moment, all we have to give to our patients is ourselves.” To unconditionally give one’s self to comfort another is a treasure. COVID has unclouded our eyes to recognize this treasure that wears scrubs and a white coat.

Physicians invest time, talent and empathy to know the unique characteristics of each person they treat. During uncertain times, it’s important to refer to the physicians that know us best for care and reassurance. In Dr. Luciano’s words “The practice of medicine will always be changing, but the doctor-patient relationship is an art form that will always be constant.” Join with Patients and Providers United to amplify the voices that seek to preserve the precious physician-patient relationship.