Challenges of Being a Believer and a Medical Professional: A Doctor’s Perspective
Dr. Jeeva Jerome
As a Consultant Physician and a staunch believer in Christ and His teachings, the intersection of medicine and faith- presents both profound opportunities and significant challenges in day-to-day life. While the medical profession is grounded in scientific knowledge and clinical practices, the Christian faith calls for empathy, compassion and spiritual guidance. Often, I am at odds with the high demands and practical constraints of running a private clinic. Balancing these roles requires steadfast faith amidst the pressures of patient care.
As a doctor, we are often expected to adhere to evidence based practices and follow medical guidelines to make decisions. But as a believer in Christ there are situations which call for a deeper trust in God and prayer. Many a time the challenge lies in integrating faith without appearing to compromise professionalism.
“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” My Faith has always stood by me in diagnostic dilemmas. I have felt His guidance many a time and it has helped me in planning treatment. This integration of faith and practice brings healing and hope to my patients, even if it’s not always explicitly expressed through words. A good part of my practice is from the economically weaker population. With the rising cost of laboratory tests, the financial burden becomes too much. Recently I saw a patient who had come with a scan report of a breast lump. She was advised an aspiration cytology of the lump which can be confirmatory .Being a Surgical Pathologist I managed to do it in the clinic and the same evening confirmed it was a benign tumor. The whole family was so relieved and they came back to tell me that they made a walking pilgrimage to The Shrine of Mother Mary in Nagapatinam.
The medical field often presents ethical challenges that may conflict with Christian beliefs, particularly when dealing with issues such as abortion, euthanasia or end-of-life care. There are situations where medical guidelines contradict our faith. Prayer has been a great tool in navigating these difficult decisions. Often I am counselling women to go ahead with an unplanned pregnancy. After many years it gives me such pleasure to see those mothers with their offspring. Talking and patiently hearing to care givers of terminally ill patients can be taxing at times.
As a doctor running a private clinic in the city, the emotional and physical demands of patient care can take a toll on our well-being. Empathy for patients mixed with the stresses of the job — can lead to physical exhaustion. Often the challenge is how to continue being compassionate without feeling overwhelmed. I get my energy renewed and feel so rested after the Sunday Eucharistic Service in the chapel.
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). Rest is essential for our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. By turning to God in prayer, taking time for spiritual rejuvenation and seeking fellowship, I find strength and peace to continue the good work. My family stays by me, supporting me in every possible way.
The most challenging aspect of being a Christian doctor is to stand by my Faith without crossing professional boundaries. Patients see us as a healer and may want to know more about our spiritual beliefs. Navigating these conversations in a respectful and ethical manner can be tricky at times. I strongly believe and encourage them to start any medication with a prayer to God.
Most of the time patients need compassionate care, a listening ear, a shoulder to unburden and lot of encouragement. Patients are often drawn to the kindness and empathy of healthcare providers, and these qualities may open the door for deeper conversations leading to faster healing. Soft ware professionals with long and erratic working hours are often burdened with regular family duties. Children with special needs and their parents often need encouragement and advice. Dealing with psychosomatic problems involves a lot of visits to the clinic with very careful follow-ups.
As a medical professional, we also experience personal health struggles, emotional challenges, such as grief or stress, while still being expected to care for patients. Balancing our own personal trials with the added responsibilities of patient care can test our trust in God. We do experience the pressure all around but don’t feel crushed or perplexed. God’s presence sustains us and helps us face the challenges of everyday life.
Through the ups and downs of patient care, personal struggles and ethical dilemmas, we believe that we have been called by God to this service. By leaning on Biblical wisdom, turning to God in prayer and finding strength, we try to overcome these challenges and fulfil our duties. Ultimately, our work as a doctor is not just a career — it is a ministry, an opportunity to serve God by serving others.
Dr (Mrs.) Jeeva Jerome., M.D., MBBS -Madras Medical College, M.D-General & Surgical Pathology, Practising in Santhome, Chennai
