Miriam Mutebi: In Healthcare Gratitude is more than just feeling

Miriam Mutebi shared on LinkedIn:

“In healthcare, as in life, GRATITUDE is more than just a feeling.

Recently during our multidisciplinary tumor board meeting—where we review all cancer cases—we discussed some cases with remarkable outcomes. Two of my patients achieved a complete pathological response, meaning their tumors had entirely disappeared after treatment. This exceptional response to chemotherapy and surgery was a shared victory for our team.

In the operating room, we often hold our breath as we await test results, much like an expectant father awaiting the news of his child’s birth. Breast cancer typically starts in the breast and spreads to the lymph nodes, particularly the glands under the arm, before reaching other parts of the body. During surgery, we routinely check these glands, to ensure they are ‘free’ of cancer cells.

A negative result indicates the cancer hasn’t spread to the glands, suggesting it’s in an early stage. What follows is a celebratory fist bump, where the atmosphere in the operating room shifts and the surgery proceeds quickly, fueled by ‘our triumph for science’ and gratitude for the patient’s improved prognosis.

We also find great joy in celebrating the completion of treatments when patients are declared cancer-free.

Occasionally, patients visit the clinic to share their good news or send notes about their progress, often with heartfelt thanks. These gestures fill us with an even deeper appreciation, reminding us that we are indeed easing someone’s burden.

At AORTIC- Africa, we are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference. Every initiative, piece of research, & training program we undertake moves us closer to improving cancer care and offering hope to patients in Africa.

I’m honoured to be part of this community of practice, volunteering my time and skills to advance cancer care across the continent. I’m also grateful for the opportunity to serve as AORTIC president alongside a dedicated group of oncology professionals across Africa and beyond.

As AORTIC celebrates its 40th anniversary, we deeply appreciate those who paved the way for progress.

Luminaries such as the late Prof. Lynn Denny, the late Mary (Dicey) Scroggins, Prof. Christopher Williams, Olufunmilayo (Funmi) Olopade, Dr. Folakemi Odedina, Timothy Rebbeck, Sulma Ibrahim Mohammed, and our recent AORTIC presidents – D.Cristina Stefan, Pr. Serigne Magueye GUEYE, Abubakar Bello, and Dr Rose Anorlu—have guided us in the right direction.

As we undertake our strategic review, the goal is to build upon the foundations they laid. In healthcare, whether celebrating a negative result or advancing cancer care, our gratitude highlights the meaningful work we do and the lives impacted.

One of my mentors once said, ‘The problems might seem overwhelming, but it is not our job to finish.’

This quote struck me, as especially insightful and highlights our collective ability as HCWs to make a difference.”

Source: Miriam Mutebi/LinkedIn

For more posts by Miriam Mutebi, visit oncodaily.com

Miriam Mutebi is a Breast Surgical Oncologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. She is also the Vice-President of East Africa of the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), treasurer for the Kenya Society of Hematology and Oncology (KESHO) and on the Board of Directors of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).

She is the co-founder of the Pan African Women’s Association of Surgeons and is part of the Kenya Association of Women Surgeons. She is an avid supporter for the education and support for women, especially in surgery and she aims to provide mentorship for women in surgery and to improve women’s health and surgical care in Africa. She is currently pursuing a pilot’s license in order to extend breast care services to marginalized areas.