Why Venezuelan Doctors are Admired by the People
The Importance of Empathy and Ethics in Venezuelan Healthcare
A few years ago, a video went viral on various social media platforms. The video explained why Venezuelan doctors were so beloved and admired by the Venezuelan people. Now, with many compatriots living abroad, one of their biggest complaints is how much they miss the unique way that Venezuelan doctors interact with their patients.
This curiosity led me to speak with a young Venezuelan doctor to compare how they are currently being trained with how we were trained over 40 years ago. I wanted to understand the emphasis still placed on the social responsibility of doctors, empathy, and the need for ethics above average when it comes to offering medical services and presenting medical information to patients in a transparent and honest manner, without being driven by economic gain. Rather, the focus should be on solving their problems.
In my generation, speaking for my entire class of the Vargas School of Medicine in 1978, we were trained by doctors who had little interest in becoming wealthy or achieving a high socioeconomic status. In fact, they worked for very modest fees and their private practices were accessible to all patients, including those who couldn’t afford to pay. Our priority was always to provide the best service possible under the circumstances.
Meeting Dr. Arana: A Young Venezuelan Nephrologist
During my quest for answers, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Arana, a young Venezuelan nephrologist who works in various institutes. She preferred not to appear on camera for personal reasons, but our conversation was enlightening. It became clear that the ancestral teachings of great Venezuelan doctors like Dr. Vargas and Dr. Rasetti are still present in the medical education of Venezuelan doctors today.
The concept of empathy remains a distinguishing factor. Many Venezuelans living abroad often complain about the coldness with which doctors in other countries treat them. This coldness stems from an excessive emphasis on what is called affective neutrality. For many years, we were told to empathize with patients and try to understand them, but not offer them a shoulder to cry on. Emotional involvement was seen as a hindrance to making balanced, rational decisions. We were encouraged to be professional, showing sensitivity while maintaining objectivity in making decisions in the best interest of the patient.
It is crucial to strike a balance between showing human sensitivity and providing objective, effective information without being too harsh. The goal is to avoid causing harm, as the primary objective of medicine is first and foremost to do no harm to the patient or the patient’s family. This is an aspect of healthcare that some doctors overlook, failing to consider the emotional well-being of both the patient and their loved ones.
The Importance of Empathy in Medical Practice
Dr. Arana shared her experiences in her interactions with patients, explaining how much her patients appreciate the camaraderie and the teamwork she fosters. Despite the economic crisis and the challenges faced by many doctors working in Venezuela in recent years, with meager public sector remuneration, their calling and obligation to help others prevail. It is this vocation that sets them apart.
Being a doctor goes beyond repairing a damaged body; it involves acknowledging the patient’s spiritual and emotional needs. Dr. Arana emphasized the importance of treating not only the patient but also their family members. Even in situations where the patient is unconscious or heavily sedated, the family members in the corridor require special attention and care. Medical professionals must put themselves in the shoes of others, demonstrating empathy and understanding.
Empathy is about gaining a better understanding of how others perceive reality and finding a balance where information is objective, realistic, and effective. It is about being sensitive while not causing harm. Medicine is not just about curing physical ailments; it is also about healing the spirit. When we can’t cure the body, we can still provide comfort through words, helping patients accept and understand their illness, and enabling them to enjoy the remaining moments of their lives, despite living with a chronic illness.
The Next Generation of Venezuelan Doctors
Having had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Arana, a prime example of the younger generation of Venezuelan doctors, I am reassured that the principles of ethics, excellence, and empathy continue to guide their practice. It is comforting to know that we are still in good hands, especially considering the hardships faced by medical professionals in Venezuela.
Dr. Arana works at the Military Hospital and the Hospital de Clínicas in Caracas. Despite the economic challenges and the lack of resources, she and many other doctors provide support and solutions to patients who have limited financial means, hygiene resources, education, and hope for a better life. Venezuelan doctors offer explanations, hope, and the assurance that they are in good hands, which in itself provides a cure for the spirit.
As a Venezuelan, I am grateful for the opportunity to discuss these important topics and to be reminded that our medical education and the doctor-patient relationship have remained steadfast, even in the face of adversity. While I may return to Venezuela as a patient rather than a doctor, it is reassuring to know that the younger generation of doctors upholds the values of ethics, excellence, and empathy that make Venezuelan healthcare unique.
Conclusion
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. In future articles, we will delve deeper into the emotional aspects of medical practice. We hope that this glimpse into the world of Venezuelan doctors has shed light on their dedication, compassion, and commitment to providing exceptional healthcare, even in challenging circumstances.
Thank you for your attention.
