Lauren Weickert, MSN, PMP, CPHQ, CPE, CGAE’s Post

As I read the statement, "Organizations and societies must resist the impulse to seek a pill providing immediate relief for the symptoms and instead focus on treating the disease," a familiar ache resonated within me. It's the ache of a patient grappling with a chronic illness, the ache of someone who has been both comforted and frustrated by the medical system. Here's the thing: living with a long-term disease is like battling a relentless beast. While addressing the core issue is crucial, the journey towards a cure is often long and arduous. To deny a patient pain relief in the meantime is like denying them a moment of respite, a chance to gather strength to face the ongoing struggle. Imagine a young warrior, wounded in battle, fighting a seemingly insurmountable foe. Would you deny them a potion to ease their pain, a temporary reprieve to allow them to strategize their next attack? Of course not. In the same vein, sometimes the "pill" is not a substitute for the cure, but a necessary companion on the path to healing. This is not to suggest we prioritize symptoms over solutions. We must strive to understand the root cause of the disease, to research and develop effective treatments. But let us also remember the human element in this equation. Let us empathize with those who suffer, and offer them not just the promise of a cure, but also the comfort of pain relief. Perhaps, a "both and" approach is the most humane and effective path forward. Let us invest in research and development, while also implementing strategies to alleviate the immediate suffering of those who bear the daily burden of disease. #ChronicIllness #Empathy #PainRelief #HolisticHealing #BothAnd #healthcare #healthequity #healthcareaccess #endracism PS. I continue to be a HUGE fan of Robert Livingston. Please consider following him too!