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#2. I have the privilege of helping relieve suffering when my patients are dying.

Definitely not a joy of family medicine, but it's one of the things I love about family medicine.  We are all going to die.  For some people, it's at the end of what might normally be a painful or difficult journey.  I love that after I've been with my patients through good and rough times, that when they are vulnerable and might be in pain, I can use all the palliative care tools at my disposal and make sure they are free from discomfort.

The best part about this is that they get to use their energy not on suffering, but on whatever they want in their last weeks and days.  Many times, some difficult issues in the family are brought to light and I am often able to connect them to the right supports or be able to facilitate the right conversation, so that all can heal and move beyond.  

To be able to help someone and their family in these ways is one of the most important and concrete things I get to do as a family doctor. 

I love family medicine.

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