People Care: Career-Friendly Practices for Professional Caregivers by Thom Dick and Friends

This book speaks to some of the reasons I want to become a doctor. It reminds healthcare professionals that caring is in the career title. For me the idea is wrapped up in patient advocacy, where as a doctor, I will be 100% on the side of my patients' best interests. This is a somewhat unique position especially for those people who cannot pay or who have been pushed aside by society. Almost no other professionals are 100% on their side to fight for what is right. Health and the pursuit of happiness.

A lot of this book is common sense, but a few parts really stand out in my mind. 

Taking care of myself has to come first. I cannot be a competent caregiver if I have not cared for myself.

Symptoms are real and it's not my perspective on the injury/illness that matters, it's how the patient sees it. We have to start there and then work toward an understanding.

A kind touch, warm smile are essential parts of compassionate reassuring care.

Situational awareness/perceptiveness and attention to all the details of the surrounding circumstances.

The very best care would be unconditional love, but since I'm not Jesus, I'll stick to my very best care for every patient.

It's not my emergency.

Suspend judgment and put yourself in your patients' shoes.