Dr. Richard P. Holm, Prairie Doc Published 11:37 p.m. CT Dec. 12, 2019

Rick Holm

This week I spent some time exploring the origins of the word, kind: It comes from Old English gecynd (YEH-kund) or cynn (kyn), meaning nature, race, family. Another Old English word kyndnes (KIND-nes) means nation, which I interpret as a subtle and ancient nod toward kin, kinship and our common bond in support of our country.

Modern dictionaries define the word kindness as the quality or state of being generous, helpful, caring and giving. Synonyms include tactful, good hearted, neighborly, forgiving and gracious.

Sometimes I only understand something when I explore its opposite or antonym. For example, I had to think about mental illness to better understand mental health; about hate to better understand love; about depression to better understand joy. The antonyms of kindness are words like mean, cruel, malicious, spiteful, malevolent, even despicable.

Where is the intersection of kindness and medicine? In years past, admission committees for medical school have searched hard to find the very smartest college graduates and they were able to do it. Certainly, physicians need the intellect to understand the complexity of human health and continue a lifetime of learning. However, we have realized that searching for students by intellect alone might graduate medical students who dont always develop good bedside manners and a capacity for compassion. More recently, some of the best medical schools have added kindness and compassion programs to their curriculum.

I didnt have the benefit of such a program when I went to medical school, however, over my 40-year medical career, Ive learned to recognize the healing power of kindness in medicine. Ive seen it in the nursing staff caring for folks living in a small-town long-term care facility. Ive heard it from medical providers, nurses and technicians caring for people in clinics, ERs, hospitals and in hospice programs. Ive heard it from kind supportive friends who have offered or driven me for chemo; from jolly laughing buddies who raise my mood; from my care team as they gently hook me up for my next infusion; from our kids who call to check on me; and from my loving wife who is at my side warming me when Im chilled, picking up my burdens with unending daily kindnesses as I struggle through these side-affects. Its a good thing she doesnt love me for my hair.

I am happy that our medical schools are teaching young doctors that people deal with illness so much better when it comes with a generous dose of kindness.

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The importance of kindness in medicine - Argus Leader