Published 20 January 2009, doi:10.1136/bmj.b130
Cite this as: BMJ 2009;338:b130

Filler

A thank you

As clinicians, we try to be sensitive and caring with our patients, to be present for each individual. I don’t think consciously about this on a daily basis but just do what I do. One afternoon I opened up my email to a thank you. I was unsure who was thanking me or for what, so I just started to read:

"We met last February when I entered health clinic on a rainy Tuesday morning. I had been raped three days earlier. When I entered the clinic, with the intention of just getting tested for STDs I was directed to the room where I met you. We spoke for about fifteen minutes. In that time I accepted the fact that I was raped, that it was not my fault, that I needed to get a rape kit done, and that I was not alone. You gave me a business card with your name and email scribbled on the bottom and called me a cab.

"I stuck that business card in my raincoat pocket and clasped onto it as I called my mom to tell her that I had been raped and that I was on my way to the hospital. I clasped onto that card as I walked into the hospital and told them that I had been the victim of sexual assault and that I needed to get a rape kit done. I clasped that card as I called a cab to go back to school after the kit was completed. I clasped that card as I told my friends what had happened and where I had been all day. I clasped that card as I went out to dinner with an old friend that same night and lied about what a great day I had had. That business card was my safety blanket, my assurance that everything was going to be okay, my assurance that I was not alone.

"I had since gone through many sessions of therapy, many bad days, and many good days. Through all of those days your business card has remained in my raincoat pocket. Every day that it rains I reach into my pocket knowing that I will find that card. Every time my hand hits it I am reminded of that day. There was a period of time that it was my little reminder that everything would get better. Then there was the period of time where I was able to reflect on how far I had come. Now when I reach into my pocket and feel that (rather crumpled) card it is my reminder of all the good that exists in this world. It reminds me of your friendly face and kind words, and how you were there for me, a complete stranger, when I felt that I had nobody. Even though we only met for a few moments, you have helped me more than you could ever know. So I am writing you tonight to say THANK YOU. I will never forget you."

As these words radiated through me, I felt sorrow and then tearful joy. I had done my job well and had made a difference. I knew then that the busy days, crazy schedules, and work stressors are worth it. This is why I practise, to provide true caring for each individual. Violence touches all of our lives in many ways, and this memorable thank you proved to me our need as health providers to always be aware, know our resources for referral, and be willing to take the time to listen.

Cite this as: BMJ 2009;338:b130

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