Dr. Victoria Knoll was recently interviewed by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) for their November newsletter. She had one piece of advice as we enter this holiday season – Act with Kindness.
“What is a piece of advice you have received that has stuck with you? How do you apply it professionally and/or personally?”
At first, I thought, this is hard. I have received a lot of good advice over the years. Then I thought more, and realized, this is actually quite easy. The best advice I have received was as a young child.
Act with kindness: act with the desire to do good to others, be friendly, respectful, generous, and supportive.
I thought about other good advice such as never quit, always be prepared, learn from your failures, and always contribute to your IRA. Those are all very good pieces of advice. However, when I watch the news, I think how much better the world would be if everyone acted with kindness. It is our job as physicians to act with kindness not only towards our patients but towards our colleagues, patient’s families, and everyone we need to do our job accurately and efficiently. Being kind can bring one both personal and professional satisfaction. Also, we must not forget to be good to ourselves. As physicians, parents, adult children, and friends, we cannot take care of other people if we do not take care of ourselves.
So as we enter into the holiday season, remember what is most important in life…people. I challenge you to perform a random act of kindness. I promise you, it will make you smile.