Beyond the Stethoscope: My Hidden Love for Poetry

As I sit in my cozy flat, surrounded by the soft glow of candles and the gentle hum of the city outside, I find myself drawn to a secret passion - one that has nothing to do with medicine, but everything to do with the healing power of words. You see, Anonymous, I’ve always had a hidden love for poetry. There’s something about the way a well-crafted verse can capture the essence of the human experience that leaves me breathless. I recall sneaking into the hospital’s library during my breaks, devouring the works of Tagore and Eliot, and feeling my soul stir with a sense of connection. It’s a feeling I’ve grown accustomed to, yet one that still surprises me to this day.

Let’s unpack this a bit, shall we? Growing up in India, I was always encouraged to prioritize my studies over creative pursuits. And yet, as I delved deeper into the world of medicine, I found myself craving an outlet for the emotions that came with the job. Poetry became my sanctuary - a place where I could process the complexities of life, and find solace in the beauty of language. I’d scribble down verses in the dead of night, after a long shift, and feel the weight of the world slowly lift off my shoulders. It was my own personal form of therapy, one that allowed me to tap into a deeper sense of empathy and understanding.

As I look back on my journey, I realize that my love for poetry has not only enriched my life as a doctor but also informed my approach to patient care. It’s taught me to listen more deeply, to observe the subtleties of human emotion, and to respond with compassion and kindness. So, Anonymous, I’ll let you in on a little secret: the next time you see me with my stethoscope around my neck, know that there’s a poet’s heart beating beneath the surface - one that’s always seeking to heal, to connect, and to find beauty in the unlikeliest of places.