I’m a GP in Hawick, and was a colleague and friend of Dr Pat Manson, GP trainer of 23 young doctors, who tragically died last April. I have thought for some time that it would be useful and valuable to produce a little book of poetry for new doctors at the beginning of their emotionally demanding work. It would fit easily into their pockets and be a source of comfort and support. When they are often at risk of being overwhelmed by the vast amount of protocols and clinical data, this little book would serve to nourish their humanity.
I had discussed this idea with Pat and, as was his way, he was positive and encouraging about it. He was creative and loved poetry. He was passionate about teaching and motivating young doctors and he cared deeply about his patients but, as his BMJ obituary said, ‘
‘The wellbeing and care of his patients was the cornerstone of his professional life and he gave his time unstintingly, often to his own personal detriment ... Ultimately he was overwhelmed by his own exacting standards and sadly took his own life’.
When he died, Lesley, Pat’s widow, and I felt that the booklet would be a fitting tribute to him and I approached the Scottish Poetry Library. They are keen to help produce it and we hope to give it to every new Scottish graduate this and next year. As a charity, they are contributing their experience and knowledge of poetry. Estimated production costs are £5000 for 1 year’s graduates and £8000 for 2 years.
Would you like to be part of his project and help produce a poetry booklet dedicated to Pat and to the work that he loved and which he did so very kindly and well?
You can donate via this justgiving site: http://www.justgiving.com/Scottish-Poetry-Library-Poetry-for-New-Doctors, or by sending a cheque payable to Scottish Poetry Library: Poetry for New Doctors, 5 Crichton’s Close, Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DT.
- © British Journal of General Practice 2013