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 Table of Contents  
EDITORIAL
Year : 2015  |  Volume : 5  |  Issue : 2  |  Page : 53

From the Editors desk


Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital, Velachery Main Road, Pallikaranai, Chennai - 600 100, Tamil Nadu, India

Date of Web Publication28-Jan-2016

Correspondence Address:
KMK Masthan
Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital, Velachery Main Road, Pallikaranai, Chennai - 600 100, Tamil Nadu
India
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Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None


DOI: 10.4103/2229-6360.175035

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How to cite this article:
Masthan K. From the Editors desk. Indian J Multidiscip Dent 2015;5:53

How to cite this URL:
Masthan K. From the Editors desk. Indian J Multidiscip Dent [serial online] 2015 [cited 2024 Mar 29];5:53. Available from: https://www.ijmdent.com/text.asp?2015/5/2/53/175035

Our journal proudly marches toward the 2nd issue of 5th volume with the added credit of being under the august banner of Wolters Kluwer exclusively. On this occasion, I wish to share the high praises that our journal received from the stalwarts of National Assessment and Accreditation Committee who honored our Bharath University with an “A” Grade. When I walked them through the various achievements our journal has passed through, their only query was why it is not “PubMed” indexed yet. Hope our next issue would not have to face this question and the due efforts are being made on the vanguard of both the publisher and the editorial board to get our journal scopus and pubmed indexed.

This editorial, I have chosen to discuss the various ways patients react while encountering terminal or morbid diseases. I have always been surprised by the mental stamina of patients from various walks of life when they are being told that they have cancer. One patient's unexpected reply was “If that is, what has been ordained for me, let it be.” Another patient, who had suffered through severe pain and a variety of investigations responded, “Now my suspense is over. I know how my life is going to end.” The patients, who were spiritually inclined or were pious from the early stages of their life, took such devastating news in their stride. Patients who were controlling in nature, Type “A” behavior category, and more of “real-time” leaders of life were literally shell shocked or heart-broken to receive such news. Faith, irrespective of religion, makes a major difference in their acceptance and it plays even more an important role in the way patients respond to treatments. Day in and day out, for the next few months, surgery after surgery or radiotherapy appointments or, the worst of all, the sequelae of chemotherapy in cases of cancer diagnosed patients really demand an augmented mental strength. This is complemented from outside by caring relatives and friends, financial support, attentive doctors, efficient paramedical staff and, from within, by faith and prayers. I have observed that such spiritually oriented patients derive the strength from their belief which helps them to pass through this horrendous, stressful phase of their life more than all other external aids. My view is that not that such external aids are unnecessary, but that, as doctors, we must do our level best to reduce their suffering and financial strain. However, the external aids alone, are never sufficient when people face such calamities. My perception is that the patients who are faith-oriented fare better when they have to pass through such ordeals or rather trials such as visiting the depressing atmosphere of hospitals, face strangers like doctors and paramedics who ask unwelcome and probing questions. These kinds of patients are able to alienate their mind from the daily tribulations associated with treatments. This kind of distancing seems to fetch them better results from treatments. Or the other explanation is HE listens to them and makes their shoulders stronger and their burdens lighter.

William Cowper, in his poem “Human Frailty” has succinctly narrated what I have tried to convey.

But oars alone can ne'er prevail

To reach the distant coast;

The breath of Heaven must swell the sail,

Or all the toil is lost.

Readers are welcome to contradict or identify with me on this complex issue at masthankmk@gmail.com.

Best wishes,




 

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