Pete’s thoughts – This isn’t a travel post, rather a quick note to my patients and colleagues. In case you’re wondering about the picture, this was written in my head as I went for a run this morning.

Seeing Your Faces

As I walk the city streets and look at the faces in the crowd, it reminds me of you. Even though we are all unique and special, sometimes certain faces trigger memories. Other times it’s expressions. On occasion it is the way someone walks, or uses a walker, or …..

Just today, I saw what I thought was one of our distinguished cardiologists driving in Vienna. Yesterday, I saw someone in a wheelchair who reminded me of my patient with a traumatic brain injury. A balding head with a round friendly face reminded me of my patient who calls me their grandson. In a shop, a typewriter reminded me of the little grandmother who types me notes before each visit. I heard an organ play in a grand cathedral and I think of my patient who recovered from a stroke by playing that beautiful instrument. I see horses and I’m reminded of two leadership colleagues. I drink beer and I think of a certain British chap who I greatly respect. The strong European women remind me of all my patients’ wives who make them take their pills, go for walks, “tell you doctor about”, and keep them going. (Because we men need someone to boss us around.)

I see canes and walkers, and I’m reminded of the joy I get delivering care to seniors. I silently diagnose illnesses in people I see waking through an airport. I’m overjoyed seeing the elderly hobbling along on cobblestones, because that’s just what you do in old town Europe, and I remember all the discussions I’ve had around the importance of just walking. I see women wearing scarves to cover their chemotherapy hair loss and I think about all the lives we’ve saved through better cancer screening.

I write this not because I’m homesick or long for work. That couldn’t be further from the truth. (Sorry to those of you who have bets going as to when I get homesick. I’m a wild soul at heart who believes in the power of wandering). Rather, I write to thank you for allowing me this time with my family and to let you all know that while I may be half a world away, I still think of you often. I miss our time together, I miss seeing your smiles, feeling you hugs and shaking your hands. I still care about you deeply, and that will never change.

With Love, Hope and Joy,

Pete (aka Doc)