Beyond Competence: Perspectives From Two Centuries. Issue 3 (July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: George, Reena; Narayanan, Kumar
• Is Part Of: Journal of palliative care. Volume 32:Issue 3/4(2017)
• Page Start: 144
• Page End: 147
• Publication Date: 2017-07
• Subjects: serenity prayer -- powerlessness -- death -- medical education -- compassion -- competence; Terminal care -- Periodicals; 362.17505
• DOI: 10.1177/0825859717744416
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0825-8597

Abstract

A sense of failure and guilt can often be associated with the death of a patient. Using the Serenity Prayer as a framework, we present autobiographical narratives describing encounters that happened in Vellore, India over a hundred years apart. Powerlessness in the face of death, we suggest, is not the same as ignorance or incompetence. It could well be the breakthrough to a deeper wisdom and lasting empowerment.