Submitted by: Doro, Aliah Morsaleene M.

September 9, 2023
ADZU SOM Level 1
After watching the movie, I gleaned several valuable moral lessons from this inspiring
narrative, with one of the most impactful being the importance of discovering one's life
purpose. I realized that living without a clear sense of purpose can lead to profound problems,
such as depression, mental illness, and even suicidal thoughts, as it can create a belief that life
lacks meaning.

Hunter "Patch" Adams once expressed, "When you treat a disease, sometimes you win,
sometimes you lose. But I guarantee you, when you treat a person, whatever the outcome, you
always win." I believe this statement holds true for all healthcare providers because there's
immense fulfillment in caring for patients, regardless of the treatment's outcome. However, in
the movie, Patch observed the lack of effort from the psychiatric staff in caring for patients at
the mental asylum. The nurses appeared sarcastic and distant, and the doctor was inattentive
during the psychiatric evaluation. As an aspiring doctor, this film prompted me to reflect on
the importance of sincerity in patient care. Additionally, it emphasized the need to focus on the
service we provide rather than the incentives we receive. Simply having the opportunity to
serve others is a personal victory, even when we don't achieve the desired results.

Accountability for our actions and appropriate patient care are also crucial aspects highlighted
in the movie. Respecting patients' rights, cultural diversity, and socio-economic status is
essential. Moreover, we must maintain professionalism while respecting our healthcare
colleagues. These obligations, though seemingly trivial, profoundly impact life preservation.
The movie's central message revolves around the idea that everyone involved in healthcare,
whether providing or receiving treatment, is human and deserving of sincerity and kindness
from healthcare professionals.

One of Patch's friends in the mental hospital advised him to "see what everyone else chooses
not to see." This sentiment holds true for healthcare professionals as well. We should strive to
see beyond imperfections and avoid discrimination, treating patients as humans with feelings
rather than mechanical entities with defects. On the contrary, Dean Walcott's statement, "Our
job here is to ruthlessly drain the humanity out of you and make something better out of you...
we're going to make you doctors," deeply upset Patch because, to him, being a doctor means
recognizing patients as people, not just machines with problems. This fueled his determination
to change the cold and indifferent medical system that dehumanizes patients. While his
method of practicing without a license is ethically and legally problematic, his commitment to
providing humane treatment is commendable.

Ultimately, the movie conveys a powerful message about the importance of doctors
establishing connections with their patients. As someone aspiring to become a doctor, I was
struck by the effectiveness of building such connections in helping patients overcome their
pain. By actively listening to their stories and understanding their emotions, we can find ways
to alleviate their suffering, much like Dr. Patch Adams did.