You Decide
I still have a Bachelor's of Science in Pharmacy (BSP) from the University of Saskatchewan even though I will never wear this white coat again.
My degree is never going to go away even if I never hang it up on the wall of another pharmacy.
And what people need to realize is that even though I have a degree in pharmacy and practiced in a community setting for almost 12 years, I was never the expert of anything or anyone else.
To get into pharmacy I had to write a "critical thinking essay."
Unfortunately, they never once taught us in 5 years of university that you can't think critically when you are stressed out and fearful.
You may not realize this if you've never worked in health care, but it's stressful and there is a ton of fear.
"What happens if I screw this up? How do I know if this is the right decision? I've been interrupted 19 times trying to do this calculation and run these drug interactions."
And most of your practitioners are running on autopilot.
It's all we can do to get through the day.
The number one premise in medicine is to do no harm.
And a provider's own fear can easily get in the way of their decision making.
So if you are hoping for your providers to be able to effectively do this critical thinking for you, please remember that at the end of the day it is still your body.
Your provider will not receive the benefit or the harm that comes from any intervention or decision not to intervene.
True informed consent includes providing you with accurate information about what happens even if you do nothing.
And reminding you that you have a choice.
There is no empowerment or autonomy when your CHOICE is taken away.
Your body keeps the score.
Your body knows the way.
Your critical thinking and knowing only come online when you are held in love and compassion, the OTHER side of fear and coercion.
YOU decide.
My pharmacy degree can't decide for you.
No one else's medical degree can decide for you.
This goes for anything you choose.
You decide.
You are your own best resource.
There is no urgency.
Slow down and listen to what's beyond the fear.
With love,
Holly
(Originally published on Instagram & Facebook August 26, 2021)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTDn9jiJ8zS/
