Summary of "Murat Gunel: The Art of Medicine" – The Moth Podcast
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Moth
- Host: Dan Kennedy
- Episode: Murat Gunel: The Art of Medicine
- Release Date: November 30, 2009
Introduction
In this compelling episode of The Moth, Dr. Murat Gunel, Chief and Neurovascular Surgery Program Co-Director at the Yale School of Medicine's Neurogenetics Program, shares a profoundly moving true story that encapsulates the emotional and psychological depths of medical practice. Hosted by Dan Kennedy, the episode delves into the intricate balance between the scientific rigor of medicine and the intangible art that defines patient care.
Dr. Murat Gunel’s Journey to Neurosurgery
Dr. Gunel begins by outlining his passion for both science and medicine, juxtaposing his technical expertise with his humanistic approach to patient care.
“I am a man of science. I'm a man of medicine, and I believe in them. I live them. Not only I live them, actually, I love them.”
— Dr. Murat Gunel [03:18]
Despite his affinity for facts, Dr. Gunel admits a struggle with the rigid confines of psychiatry, leading him to neurosurgery—a field he finds both practical and deeply fulfilling. He candidly discusses the duality of being a neurosurgeon, where moments of triumph can swiftly turn into profound despair.
“Everybody thinks neurosurgeons have God complex. And guess what? We do have God complex. How can we not?”
— Dr. Murat Gunel [03:54]
The High-Stakes Operating Room
Dr. Gunel recounts a particularly harrowing surgery that underscores the precarious nature of neurosurgery. He describes the scenario of being torn between personal desires and professional obligations when faced with an emergency trauma case.
“I was going to go get out of town and be free or it's somebody's life.”
— Dr. Murat Gunel [05:30]
As he assesses the patient's severe injuries—extensive skull fractures and significant brain bleeding—Dr. Gunel grapples with the intensity of the situation. The narrative vividly paints the chaotic environment of the operating room, where every second counts.
“Now all you see is this young kid on the OR table bleeding. And you focus, you focus on the patient, you focus what you have to do.”
— Dr. Murat Gunel [07:15]
The Descent into Desperation
The surgery takes a dire turn as uncontrollable bleeding ensues, pushing Dr. Gunel and his team to the brink of their medical capabilities. The emotional toll is palpable as he describes feeling like "the lowest creature on earth" amidst the unfolding crisis.
“As I looked at the CAT scan and see the skull, which is fractured like eggshells and extensive bleeds in the brain... I was pissed off. I cannot leave town again. I have to deal with this.”
— Dr. Murat Gunel [08:45]
Dr. Gunel illustrates the intricate decision-making process in life-and-death situations, emphasizing the thin line between success and failure in neurosurgery.
Moments of Human Connection
Amidst the chaos, Dr. Gunel shares a poignant interaction with the patient's mother, highlighting the profound human connections that underpin medical practice.
“I lose the strength to tell her at that point that he wasn't going to make it. So I held onto her.”
— Dr. Murat Gunel [13:20]
This moment underscores the emotional resilience required of surgeons, who must balance professional detachment with compassionate empathy.
Turning the Tide
A turning point occurs when Dr. Gunel recalls surgical techniques from his training, leading to a desperate yet innovative attempt to save the patient. The narrative crescendos as hope is briefly restored, highlighting the fragility and unpredictability of life.
“We start pouring the blood to him. And of course at this time he's not clotting because he lost all his clotting factors through the bleeding.”
— Dr. Murat Gunel [14:50]
Through relentless effort and determination, the medical team manages to stabilize the patient, demonstrating the profound impact of skilled intervention.
The Aftermath and Reflections
In the aftermath, Dr. Gunel reflects on the patient's recovery and the deeper lessons learned from the experience. He emphasizes the indispensable role of emotional bonds and the "unexplainable" aspects of medicine that transcend scientific understanding.
“I feel like we did what we did and we did what we could... the bond between the mom and the son that saved the boy's life.”
— Dr. Murat Gunel [16:30]
He concludes by articulating the essence of the "art of medicine," a harmonious blend of science and humanity that defines truly impactful medical care.
Conclusion
Dr. Murat Gunel's story is a testament to the intricate dance between the technical demands of neurosurgery and the deeply human experiences that accompany medical practice. Through his narrative, listeners gain profound insights into the emotional resilience, ethical dilemmas, and the unquantifiable elements that constitute the art of medicine.
“It is the art in medicine and probably art in science. And I think that's what makes it all worthwhile.”
— Dr. Murat Gunel [17:20]
This episode encapsulates the essence of The Moth—sharing true, unvarnished stories that illuminate the human condition in all its complexity.
Additional Information:
- Host Bio: Dan Kennedy is the author of Rock An Office Power Ballad.
- Support The Moth: Visit the Moth website to support the organization, become a member, or purchase stories on CD.
- Production Credits: Podcast audio produced by Paul Ruest at the Argo Network. Podcast hosted by PRX Public Radio Exchange.