By asking his patients’ loved ones to describe them in an email and then reading these emails aloud in the operating room, Dr. Benjamin Schwartz, a gynecologic oncologist at Northwell Health, has found a unique way to integrate humanity and surgery.
A gynecologic oncologist at Northwell Health, Dr. Benjamin Schwartz has developed a unique way to engage the members of his surgical teams. Before each surgery, Dr. Schwartz asks his patient’s loved ones to send him an email describing the patient in a personal way. He then reads the email aloud to the surgical team before beginning the patient’s procedure. This practice serves to remind the surgical team of the patient’s humanity and individuality, and encourages each caregiver to connect more deeply with their work and their patient.