A lesson in humility

“In these days of aggressive self-assertion, when the stress of competition is so keen and the desire to make the most of oneself so universal, it may seem a little old-fashioned to preach the necessity of humility, but I insist . . .”
—Dr. William Osler, 1906 

In today’s era of fierce competition, Dr. William Osler’s call for humility in medicine remains strikingly relevant. A recent experience I had underscores the importance of listening and treating patients with respect. 

A few days ago, I was participating in an interesting session, called Conversation Cafe, where medical students listened to and learned from those who had overcome addiction. It was led by a young doctor, a retired psychiatrist, and a person recovering from alcohol use disorder, as well as navigators, who help patients recover. 

The format was simple. First, the students listened to the retired psychiatrist share his lived experience. He recounted how he drank to ease the pain, but he also used self-deprecating humor; the upshot being, never take yourself too seriously. Next, the panelists asked the students questions like, “What does recovery mean to you?” This led to an open and honest discussion between trainees and patients. 

The students saw how addiction touches everyone: rich, poor, white, Black, and every social stratum. No one is immune. However, maybe the most important lessons for the students were the things the patients said: 

“When I go to see the doctor, all I want is for them to treat me like a human being.” 

“We want them to listen to us.” 

“Not to judge but to see me as a person instead of my condition.” 

The word love was used on more than one occasion: love in terms of the Greek word, agape, unconditional, non-reciprocal and freely given. This beautiful and restorative session, immensely important for students and faculty alike, made me think of Osler’s words insisting on the need for humility, a word whose Latin roots trace back to “humus” or “from the earth:” grounded and humble. 

Healthcare professionals and trainees must remember to always be grounded in humility. Every person, clinician and patient alike, needs their voice to be heard and listened to. 

I’d like to thank Drs. Hugo Jobst, Allan Houston, and Seonaid Anderson, and the whole team of Scotland’s recovery communities, for allowing me to learn a bit about the wonderful work they are doing. 

This piece expresses the views solely of the author. It does not necessarily represent the views of any organization, including Johns Hopkins Medicine.