Srinagar: Reflecting on his two decades of experience in surgical practice, Farooq Ahmad Ganie, Associate Professor in the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (CVTS) at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), has shared an emotional account of the challenges, responsibilities and human side of being a surgeon.
In his reflection, Ganie said that surgeons stand beside their patients with their knowledge, skills and best possible efforts, guided by established medical literature, evidence-based guidelines and accepted standards of surgical practice. However, despite the best clinical judgement and every possible effort, outcomes are not always as expected.
Drawing from his two decades in the operating theatre, he observed that there are moments when even the most dedicated medical professionals feel helpless despite doing everything within their capacity.
“Those moments remind us that we are only human. We can operate, repair and fight, but the gift of life and its ultimate destiny are in His hands,” he reflected.
Highlighting the emotional toll of losing patients, Ganie said that some losses leave silence in the heart and tears behind the surgical mask. He noted that every loss leaves an indescribable wound, often prompting surgeons to revisit every moment, decision and effort in their minds.
“Behind the surgeon’s gown is a human heart that feels every loss,” he said.
He further observed that the most difficult part of being a surgeon is not the long working hours, sleepless nights or the challenges of complicated operations, but losing a patient despite giving everything possible to save their life.
His reflection offers a glimpse into the emotional burden carried by surgeons, reminding people that behind every medical professional’s expertise and confidence lies a human being who feels the pain of every loss.
