What Makes a Hand Surgeon?

lgs

What Makes a Hand Surgeon?
The ability to see a hand objectively, though mangled or deformed. Have
an outward air of practical optimism
while furiously analysing the problems.
Choosing from the many options,
as the advisor and confidante
Face the patient with compassion, as together,
you plan what to do
for the source of his livelihood
and his unspeaking communicator
with the world.
Sit at work for hours into the night,
yet, remain undeterred
to face all eventualities.
Ponder in solitary silence, new paths, new truths
yet undiscovered
Perform procedures delicately with little additional trauma. Yet make
the bone fixation sturdy To magically move parts routinely from place to
place Retain the wonder, but, remember you are but the tool And remember
why it was done
Keep him motivated while gently limiting
his desperate hopes, to match your limited abilities
so that you and your team can inspire him
to coax every ounce of function
from a stiff and painful limb.
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Be an optimist and an alchemist.
Study his body and guess at his mind.
Dare to try new combinations and inventions,
yet remain firmly grounded in reality,
and know when to give up.
Be able to inspire young minds
to follow,
and, hopefully later,
overtake you.