Surgeons as Heroes and Saints

Rodning CB

Department of Surgery, University of South Alabama, USA

^*Correspondance to: Charles B. Rodning 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.1333

Abstract

The fundamental human question–is human existence meaningful or absurd–must be asked by all sentient beings and surgeons are not immune. Questions regarding the meaning of life may be critically analyzed from multiple perspectives: existentially, dialogically, historically and/ or metaphorically. Regarding the latter, in the occidental intellectual tradition of the journey to wisdom, two archetypical metaphorical figures have emerged that address the question of meaning– the hero and the saint–although an inherent tension exists between them. Nevertheless, there is no discipline which more vividly exemplifies the potential interrelationship between them than the surgical profession. Patients look to the surgeon as a hero, with awe and respect, seeking inspiration and help. Patients look to the surgeon as a saint, with gratitude and humility, seeking solace and hope.

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Cite the article

Rodning CB. Surgeons as Heroes and Saints. Clin Surg. 2017; 2: 1333.