Empathetic Care That’s All That and a Bag of Chips
Not every concern in a hospital is medical. Sometimes, what weights heaviest on a patient has nothing to do with their diagnosis.
When a man experiencing homelessness arrived at Sinai Hospital with a severe infection in both arms, his biggest worry wasn’t the emergency surgery ahead—it was where his next meal would come from.
David Chou, MD, a general surgeon and wound care specialist, recognized the urgency of both situations.
Surgery was scheduled for 6 p.m., and by the time it was over, the hospital’s kitchen services would be closed. Dr. Chou knew the only open restaurant in the hospital was Subway, so he made a simple promise: “Let’s take care of your arms first, and then we will make sure you have a substantial meal afterwards.”
After a successful procedure, Dr. Chou kept his word. Before discharging his patient, he walked him to the sandwich shop and told him to order whatever he wanted. A spicy Italian sub, a soda and a bag of chips later, the patient left with more than just a healthier future—he left knowing someone cared.
“I hope I was able to turn sort of a nightmare situation into something this individual will look back on with fonder memories,” Dr. Chou said. “We provide medical care to a lot of underserved patients in our line of work, but it’s also part of our responsibility to help them in any way that we can so they can go on and live and enjoy life.”
His colleagues weren’t surprised. “Dr. Chou exemplifies true empathy for his patients and their holistic care,” said Dr. Jonah Abraham, an anesthesiologist at Sinai Hospital.
Compassion can be just as powerful as medicine. And sometimes, something as simple as a sandwich can make all the difference.