Some physicians would not have noticed that Margaret was depressed. Other physicians would argue that her depression should not have been treated, because anyone in similar circumstances would be depressed. I feel privileged that the physician I worked with tried to help this patient, not just help with her cancer-ridden body, but help her as a whole person. It's easy during medical school to get wrapped up in a patient's disease, and to forget the whole picture. The problem is, as much science as we now know, medicine does not have all the answers.
People still die dreadful deaths from incurable illnesses.
I think this is where the art of medicine plays a role. While we can't heal all our patients, I hope we can remember to at least try to help them. Shortly after I worked with Margaret, I started working with another doctor at a different hospital. I still think about Margaret, but I do not know if she is still alive. I do believe, however, that we cared enough to help her at the end.