As a follower of Christ I seek to live according to His example. This influences all aspects of my life. Recognizing each person I meet is a priceless creation of God. I seek to serve her or his needs. For patients this need is usually relief of suffering and promotion of health. For learners it is primarily to be mentored in the art of medicine. The needs of others are more varied. With each person I try to imitate Christ who fed the hungry, healed the sick, was present with the lonely, and challenged those who abused power.
The faith of the patient or learner does not change the care or teaching they can expect. Christ commanded that I treat others the way I would want to be treated. When I am a patient or a learner I want differences between my faith and that of my physician or teacher to have no negative impact on the way I am treated. Patients and learners can expect the same of me.
I am not perfect and sometimes fail to achieve these goals. Then I seek forgiveness, Christ’s help, and to be better next time.