Due to a series of recent yet unfortunate events, I have had to spend sometime in the hospital with my brother. As he was hooked up to an IV drip with piercing aches radiating from his heel and spiking fevers threatening his health, I have never seen someone in such excruciating pain. Caused by three smallish tumors and one large (thankfully benign) tumor that grew so fast it fractured his bone, the 12X12 hospital room became his new home for the next few days.

As he waited for more medication to ease his extreme discomfort, I had to helplessly watch him suffer until his next dose was administered. Hours seemed to go by while he dozed in and out of sleep, and in between this time we encountered many different doctors, physician assistants, nurses, residents and many more compassionate employees that were quick to alleviate his pain and care for his wellbeing.

And from just the few days I have spent at the hospital, I have learned that working in the medical field is an occupation that may be one of the most rewarding professions if things go right…but also one of the most devastating careers to pursue when things don’t. Not only do these incredible people have to be on call at all hours of the day and night, they also have to face so many different challenges along the way. From diagnosing patients, operating on said patients, or simply connecting with these patients, the role of anyone in the medical field is one I greatly commend.

If I had to say just one thing to you all pursuing a degree in medicine or for those of you currently in the field busting your butt to help and care for people, it would be thank you. Thank you for doing a job that billions of people could never do. Thank you for spending your time caring for those in need. Thank you for saving the millions of lives that you do, while also finding cures to the many diseases plaguing our world and fighting for treatments to combat these illnesses. It is because of you all that the sick heal, the healthy stay strong, and people continue to thrive.

From the many exams that have to be studied for to enter this field to the passion you all have for medicine, this job is far from easy, and I know I am one of the many that are so appreciative for the work you put in day in and day out.

So here’s to you, all my medical people. You truly make the world a better place, and you need to hear that more often. Thank you for all that you do, and for all the lives you will continue to save. Life is so precious, and we are lucky to have you all to help preserve ours.