The closeness of their friendship and his calling made the pastor particularly well suited to take on this burden.

After our conversation I concluded that the work of a minister and that of a physician are quite similar. Both are healers in their own way, and both are teachers and comforters.

As physicians, we have seen our ability to heal grow exponentially in the last 60 years. People survive sepsis, once-formidable cancers are routinely cured, and the severely injured return to the workforce. While these advances are routine for us, people in their 80s and 90s still must view this with awe.

I wonder whether our skills in teaching and offering solace have actually declined during this time. I wonder if I’m rattling off instructions or truly teaching something to my patients. Do they know more than the name of their affliction? Am I talking at my patients, or do they receive my best counsel?

How long did I spend with the family of the last patient I directed to the ICU? Did I just enumerate the facts, or did I make them feel I was in their corner?

Fifty years ago, when the minister and the doctor sat with the family of a dying child and there was little science or treatment available, solace was the offering. While our condition today is inverted, the solace is no less important.

Although we don’t know our patients and their families well, the consolation of the physician is doubly helpful and appreciated because of the weight of our position. What we say and do during their dark hour will have enduring influence. Your actions will rarely be acknowledged; however, I assure you this is true.

Be happy.

Dr. Baehren lives in Ottawa Hills, Ohio. He practices emergency medicine and is an assistant professor at the University of Toledo (Ohio) Medical Center. Your feedback is welcome at David.Baehren@utoledo.edu.