In daily activities, one may not realise how quickly things can transform. Healthcare workers face this reality daily, treating patients with both professionalism and care. The stories that Dr. Todd Otten shares in his book Ripple of Change, also narrated in his health and wellness podcast illustrate how a single courageous, quick decision can impact many lives.
A Life-Saving Encounter
This was during the transition in April 2007 when Dr. Todd Otten was about to join St. John Hospital in Detroit. One day, while driving home with his wife Angie, an ICU nurse, they witnessed a very severe accident. A motorcyclist was seriously hurt with a compound fracture on the leg and copious bleeding.
There was no time to waste and without any delay, Dr. Otten proceeded to act. He evaluated the scene and, with the assistance of other people, tied an improvised bandage around the leg. The time was very sensitive, and every second was important. His medical knowledge and his perseverance helped him to calm down the patient and make him stable enough for professional assistance.
A Nighttime Encounter at the Gas Station
After a long day wrapping up quarterly reports with his boss, Dr. Otten stopped to fill up his car around 10 p.m. As he was about to get out of his car, a police officer approached. She asked for his licence and registration, explaining that his car resembled one linked to recent highway sniper incidents.
Dr. Otten was driving a black 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue—quite similar to the suspected vehicle but not the same model. He clarified this to the officer, who was relieved and apologetic. Despite the mix-up, they shared a moment of mutual understanding about wanting to keep the roads safe.
Reflecting on the Encounter
Driving home, Dr. Otten pondered the interaction, realising how often we are defined by the roles and uniforms we wear, rather than by our actions and how we treat each other. This incident underscored the importance of mutual respect and understanding, extending beyond the realm of healthcare into everyday life.
Embracing Change in Healthcare
These stories point to the need for other changes required in the healthcare system. For instance, virtual visits during the COVID-19 pandemic exemplified the new reality of healthcare providers. Similarly, telehealth and video consultations, which have become more popular due to the pandemic, should have become popular long ago.
While certain changes improved the quality of care that patients received, these changes also revealed issues or shortcomings in the current healthcare system. Specifically, the way healthcare services are delivered and paid for needs to be reformed or improved to address these newly highlighted issues.
Providers and patients are usually at the receiving end of these changes, and healthcare workers are most times at the forefront of demanding improvement in the systems. The obstacles they encounter are not small, however, the passion for reforming the system is equally enormous.
The Power of One
This is the reason why a single action can have such a significant impact. For the healthcare workers these ripples are proof that even one moment, one decision, one life can make a difference. Their stories of success and overcoming difficulties are good examples of how everyone can change the world around us even in the worst conditions. While celebrating these healthcare heroes, it is important to note that these are the people who make a difference in the lives of others and serve as a reminder of the best in all of us.
