The ART of saying Thank you.

If you are successful, it is because somewhere, sometime, someone gave you a life or an idea that started you in the right direction. Remember also that you are indebted to life until you help some less fortunate person, just as you were helped."—Melinda Gates  

Thank those who help you.  Receive thanks by those whom you have helped. And the cycle of gratitude will continue.

One of the joys of working in the healthcare field is that we get to have a real impact on real people and are blessed with the opportunity to make a difference on a daily basis. On the other hand there are many people who have had an impact on us.  Our journey is long and therefore our teachers are many. Our attendings. Our residents. Our nurses. Our patients.  In the era of Facebook, Twitter, and Gmail we are often so busy that the ART of saying "Thank you" has been somewhat lost, despite the fact that it is easier. 

The ART of saying Thank you is taking the time to write a personal note of gratitude to someone that unnecessarily went out of their way to help you (I prefer hand written, but an e-card will suffice). The acknowledgement of their efforts can be best displayed by taking the time out of your own busy day to give them a thoughtful note. With your style and in your own personal way.

Each time I get a Thank you in any form, my decision to pursue a career in medicine is validated. I feel useful. I feel appreciated. I feel valuable. It is in times like these that I can say all the hard work and sleepless nights have payed off.  If we could bring back the dying ART of a simple Thank you, our world would be a better place. A place of kindness, communication, and gratitude.  I hope you will join me and incorporate the ART of saying Thank you into your daily HOSPITALstyle.

xo Kristin