ISSN: 2640-2726
Authors: Bagwell CE* and Salzberg AM
As physicians/surgeons, we cannot “understand” (on a metaphysical level) why people suffer or die. Despite our advanced training in modern technological advances on the frontiers of immunology, gene therapy or minimally invasive surgical techniques, individually we remain steadfastly and unchangingly human, and often struggle with both anguish and misery in the lives of patients and families we serve (as well as our own). We also wrestle with questions like, “How can a loving and all-powerful God permit the suffering of an innocent child from an aggressive cancer?” In my career as a pediatric surgeon, I have often been asked similar questions from grieving parents whose lives have suddenly imploded with the shattering news of their child’s affliction. They- and I as well- seek through the tears, some reassurance in our faith that begs answers, even understanding, of the unknowable.
Keywords: Suffering, Spiritual Awareness, Anxiety, Faith as a Moving Force
