Navigating Pain: A Woman’s Path to Healing in Medicine

By Niloufar Novin, OMS IV, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine Harlem Campus

When I started my third-year rotations, witnessing patients in pain was one of the hardest adjustments I had to make. I remember one patient grimacing with each step of a peripherally inserted central catheter line procedure; each time she did, I felt it too. But I knew I had to be strong for her. I held her hand through the procedure as my senior resident guided the intern and kept the patient informed, reassuring her that she was nearing the end. Whether it’s the pain patients bring with them, the pain after surgery or even the discomfort of a blood draw, seeing patients suffer has become a part of my daily life, something I’ve had to come to terms with as a necessary step toward their healing.

The discomfort I felt prompted me to reflect deeply on the importance of humanism in medicine and what this meant for me as a future physician. I would have to become comfortable with seeing people in varying amounts of pain. I realized that while procedures and interventions are essential, the way in which they are carried out can really impact a patient's experience. We can take steps to make patients feel comfortable: ensuring they understand the procedure, explaining the steps and how it will help them to get better. It’s not just about treating the disease or infection, but caring for the person as a whole.

I’ve learned that taking a moment to connect with a patient, to explain what’s happening and to offer reassurance can make a world of difference. I witnessed this most clearly from a senior resident I worked with, who navigated difficult conversations with patients and their families with remarkable composure. He calmly explained the risks of lung nodules and cancer to one patient, then moved on to discuss the need for an echocardiogram to rule out infective endocarditis with another, before having a lengthy conversation with a family whose mother had been diagnosed with Clostridium difficile infection. I admired how he approached each interaction with calmness and logical clarity, ensuring that patients and their loved ones understood the medical reasoning behind each test or treatment. These moments can influence whether a patient decides to stay in the hospital or sign themselves out. Keeping patients and their families informed and involved in their care not only leads to better outcomes but also makes patients feel prioritized and cared for.

As a woman, I have always felt innately nurturing and empathetic. Growing up, I found myself drawn to look after or care for my family and friends, and to offer a listening ear for others. As a woman in medicine, this has influenced the way I connect with patients. As I progress on my journey, I look forward to continuing to adjust my view of pain and the path to healing. I feel proud to bring these qualities and experiences into a field where women historically have had to fight for recognition. They will help me to care for my patients as a whole and create an environment where they feel safe and understood.