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Poetry and Medicine
October 23, 2024

The Diagnosis

Author Affiliations
  • 1Hanover, Massachusetts
JAMA. 2024;332(19):1677. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.14691

When you hear the cancer doctor we just met
read the biopsy results from your PET scan,
the issues leading up to this moment, directly
off an Epic chart with precision, wonder:
then

 â¶Äƒâ¶Äƒâ¶Äƒâ¶Äƒp²¹³Ü²õ±ð

before she delivers the news
asking if you don’t mind if she got to know you
first like a nervous date counting the seconds
to when the meal is over spreading small talk,
simple words—

±ô³Ü²Ô²µ²õ â¶Äƒâ¶Äƒâ¶Äƒâ¶Äƒâ¶Äƒâ¶Äƒc³ó±ð²õ³Ù â¶Äƒâ¶Äƒâ¶Äƒâ¶Äƒâ¶Äƒâ¶Äƒb´Ç²Ô±ð²õ

until she reboots, starts talking faster

±ð²â±ð²õ â¶Äƒâ¶Äƒâ¶Äƒâ¶Äƒâ¶Äƒâ¶Äƒâ¶Äƒw¾±»å±ð â¶Äƒâ¶Äƒâ¶Äƒâ¶Äƒâ¶Äƒâ¶Äƒb±ð²¹³Ü³Ù¾±´Ú³Ü±ô

using bigger words now:

atezolizumab
carboplatin
etoposide

but I can tell that
all you’re thinking about
is dinner and a piece of tiramisu.

Section Editor: Rafael Campo, MD, MA, Associate Editor.
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Article Information

Corresponding Author: Edward John Gaudet (egaudet@censinet.com).

Published Online: October 23, 2024. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.14691

Conflict of Interest Disclosures: None reported.

1 Comment for this article
Capturing the Human Essence of Our Most Fragile Moments
Sherri Douville | Medigram | Trustworthy Technology & Innovation Consortium | Taylor & Francis Series Editor
Edward John Gaudet's "The Diagnosis" poignantly illustrates the delicate relationship between clinical precision and genuine human connection in healthcare. The poem beautifully captures the vulnerability of patients facing life-altering news, highlighting the essential role of empathy and personal engagement from healthcare providers. It serves as a powerful reminder that behind every medical chart and technical term is a person navigating their most fragile moments. Gaudet's work underscores the importance of compassionate communication, ensuring that patients feel seen and understood beyond their diagnoses. I'm honored to call this extraordinary author and person a friend, colleague, and advisor.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST: The author is an advisor, colleague, and friend
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