From Curing To Healing : A Plastic Surgeon's Journey Through Palliative Care - Reflections

Improving the 'Bandwidth' in patient care by exploring the fault lines between 'Curing and Healing', words often used synonymously is analysed. 'Nobody dies cured but we can die healed'. An understanding of the transitivity and valency of these verbs, helps in understanding the nuances of 'curing and healing'. The paraplegic at the Coffee vending machine is not cured but 'healed' An autobiographical narrative this book describes the treating of Air Crash Victims, in of one of worst crashes in the country at Bangalore, smashed faces, hand injuries, burns, and body sculpting surgery. Moving thence to Regional Cancer Centre, Trivandrum it became cancer surgery, reconstruction, and palliative care. The PEPSI model of care described, herein mandates taking care of Physical issues like fractures, cancers, pain (P) Emotional issues like depression, (E) Psychological and Psychosocial issues (P) Spiritual Concerns (S) and Interpersonal relationships (I). A holistic approach celebrating 'life' with the 'celebrity the patient is exhorted' - not being a fan of the 'celebrity' who endorses Pepsi! Thus, we help patients 'Live' till they 'Leave' focussing on quality of life as the race for quality doesn't have a finishing line!