the art of healing and love for the patient. For Maimonides, there sim-
ply was no room for pursuit of fame or riches. Thirst for excessive
profit and renown were "enemies of truth and of love for mankind." He
didn't judge. Any undesirable trait of any patient was merely a manifes-
tation of pain. There was no room for egoic battles between healthcare
team members of "who is right or wrong" in Maimonides's mind.
Patient well-being received primacy over all else.
We could live more peaceful and meaningful lives if we simplified
our vocation and incorporated the timeless principles of Maimonides
— gratitude for the privilege of healing, other centeredness and con-
stant quest for knowledge.
OSM
Dr. Kelly (johndak4@gmail.com) is an orthopedic surgeon/sports-shoulder
specialist who practices in Philadelphia, Pa.
Cutting Remarks
CR
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