Douglas Flora, Executive Medical Director of Yung Family Cancer Center at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, President-Elect of the Association of Cancer Care Centers, and Editor in Chief of AI in Precision Oncology, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“The Best Lessons Are Learned in a Hospital Gown.
‘Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.’ – Mark Twain
A quick personal health update – and some overdue gratitude.
For months, I’ve shared bits about my worsening back pain. This week, an angry MRI landed me in the hospital, and yesterday morning, I had spine surgery. Thankfully, the procedure went well, and I’m hopeful this will finally bring relief after a challenging year.
This isn’t a post about the surgery itself. It’s about the people who form the true backbone of our healthcare system – the nurses.
As a physician in practice for over two decades, I’ve had countless interactions with healthcare professionals, and without exception, the nurses have consistently been extraordinary. In this particular stay, from the moment I was admitted through my discharge home, their presence was just a masterclass in compassionate care.
In pre-op surgery, I watched, impressed, from my bed as they navigated what can only be described as a ballet of controlled chaos. They started IVs with practiced ease, reassured anxious families, and seemed to anticipate each other’s needs without a word. The quiet efficiency and perfect coordination spoke to years of shared experience and deep mutual trust.
The gentle floor nurses carried that same blend of clinical excellence and genuine kindness. They checked on me through the night, managed my significant pain with real care, and explained every step with patience and empathy. Always professional. Always present. Always kind. Authentically kind.
In an age when we talk about predictive analytics, precision medicine, and AI-driven insights, it’s easy to focus on technology. But the most powerful tool in the hospital is not a robot or algorithm – it’s the human touch. The gentle hand, the reassuring voice, the constant vigilance of a dedicated nurse. They transform a sterile, frightening environment into a place of healing.
To every nurse who cared for me over this unexpected stay – thank you. For your skill. For your dedication. For your unwavering kindness. You are not just part of the healthcare system – you are the heart of it.
Unsolicited Personal Recommendation: The entire experience at the new Orthopedic Center of Excellence at St. Elizabeth in Florence was five-star, white-glove service. As both a discerning patient and practicing physician, I can say without hesitation – there’s absolutely no reason to cross the river for orthopedic care in 2025. We now have best-in-class care right here, close to home.”
More posts featuring Douglas Flora.
