By Teresa Fletchinger
Just go in and out of the patient’s room
Don’t let anyone know you are nervous
Self-conscious smile and introduction
Fumble to remember the physical exam
Apologize for very cold hands
“Stop.”
Taken aback
“Cold hands or not. Please sit and hold my hand”
Comfortable silence and teary eyes
“I just need someone to care”
Teresa Fletchinger is a third-year medical student at UAMS and wrote this piece after a touching moment with a patient. It is meant to capture the nerve-wracking nature of learning to care for patients and the moments of human connection that make it worthwhile.