A Surgeon's Prayer

A Surgeon's Prayer

Give me work when I am young

Let there be no unexpected death on the operation table

Let no swabs or forceps remain inside the abdomen

Let me not cross a point of no return during an operation

Let there be some help available in a critical situation

Let my skilful hands not make me arrogant

Keep me away from the temptations of money

Let the invisible enemies, the microbes, not infect the patient

Give me the wisdom to quit in time

Give me good health to enjoy the evening of my life.

My Prayer has been Answered:

I am blessed by my profession,

I am 84 years old; full of happy memories.

My life overflows with hidden treasures which

no authority can tax; no one could ever know

that I envy my destiny!

From the book,

Reflections of a Surgeon

Dr.V.N.Shrikhande