Sepsis, multi-organ failure, near death

I fought back to the work I loved.

Life shifted; teaching’s call opened another door.

Not time yet.

The student clinic, a rebirth at the bedside,

Watching timid M1s bloom into confident, caring M3s: pure joy.

Being a doctor, teaching, healing, helping those in need.

Not time yet.

The pure fun of light bulbs igniting in small groups,

Connecting with so many bright, caring young minds,

Knowing medicine’s future is secure through them.

Not time yet.

Another major illness: achalasia, infected diverticulum.

Thirty pounds lost—major surgery—long recovery. Is it now time?

Student emails, family’s constant encouragement.

Not time yet.

A mandated medical and cognitive evaluation at my age:

Over four hours. Three on cognition alone!

What if I fail? Is this worth it? Yes!

Not time yet.

A rough day softened by an overly kind evaluation,

A hospital stay, cared for by wonderful former students,

Age’s common aches eased by a card from a past mentee.

Not time yet.

The unchanging appearance of students lets me pretend I’m not aging,

This old mind still embracing new knowledge.

Stories told, others heard, stories yet to unfold.

Not time yet.

The chance to share wisdom still brings a smile,

Humanism recognized, filling my heart.

Every day I consider retiring, but

the magic of medicine,

the amazing students,

the sheer joy of my work

confirms it is not time yet.

John F. McGeehan is an internal medicine physician.