As a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician, I work everyday with patients that have suffered heartbreaking traumatic injuries and life-changing medical events. Unfortunately, at times, it can leave you feeling helpless and discouraged.
Our goal in physical rehabilitation is to get as many people as possible home at the highest possible functioning level. As Mother Theresa said in one of her many great Instagram posts, “It is not important how we live, but how well we live. Hopefully we can help add meaning to our patient’s lives every day.
Often times, our young therapists will get saddened and frustrated by discharge conditions that are less than ideal. When they begin to feel this way, I remind them that all we can do is the best that we can in the time that we have. No single person can save the whole world. One of my favorite 20th century philosophers Fred Rogers, a.k.a. Mr. Rogers took it one step further and said that doing what we can with what we have is the most we should expect of ourselves or anyone else.
Stay well!!
Ask Dr S. 
Good post, askdrs732823920.
It makes me also realize that even when it comes to family members, you cannot mandate what they do about their health. Nagging them about it (e.g., smoking, soda, etc.) only makes them dig their heels in further and perhaps rebel just for the sake of being obstinate. All we can do is offer help when we can, answer questions if they ask, and set a good example – whether it be with regard to diet, exercise, lifestyle habits, etc.
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