By Henry Berman, Exponent Philanthropy
I spent a lot of time in and out of the hospital last fall. I wasn’t the patient, although in countless hours beside my wife’s bedside, I had considerable time to think, observe, and learn. Thankfully, with much credit to her doctors and medical team, all signs are now positive.
What became evident to me early in our ordeal is the incredible parallel between philanthropy and the delivery of medical care. Doctors, nurses, and support staff of all types were regular visitors to my wife’s bedside. Some came with urgency, whereas others had the luxury of accommodating her, as when the physical therapist offered to return later upon arriving to find my wife sleeping. Each brought a desire to help her improve, just as we each in philanthropy share a desire to bring about change or sustain progress.
Whereas many aspects of our hospital stays were the same, the variations provided a window into how people deliver care under varying circumstances. Over time I watched as different nurses brought an important daily injection. Most came in with a smile and a reminder of the medical purpose. They would engage in conversation and offer a choice of arm or leg for receiving the shot. Others (only a few, thankfully) came in, barely said a word, and, in a matter-of-fact manner, administered the injection before leaving. The injection’s effect on the body was the same, yet its impact on the mind was considerably different.
