To many of my friends and neighbors in the Brockway area, they know my father as “Dr. Devlin.” Although to my sister and I, we simply call him “dad.” Unless if we’re in public and can’t get his attention, then my sister likes to yell “Hey Jimmy,” but he doesn’t particularly like when she does that. I think she enjoys the scowling look that follows after my dad directs his attention her way. My father has been practicing family medicine in our hometown of Brockway, PA for the past 22 years. He followed in the footsteps of my Grandpa Devlin who was also a family physician in our hometown. After 42 years my grandpa retired from medicine, but knew he was leaving his practice and patients in good hands.
My dad begins his day at 5:30 am; he has a quick cup of coffee with my mom then goes to the hospital to make morning rounds on all of his patients at DuBois Regional Medical Center. Many days he assists in morning surgeries. Next he begins seeing patients by appointment at his office, and then usually heads home for a quick dinner. He spends the next part of his evening answering the phone, attending various meetings, visiting the nursing home, or he returns to the hospital to see his new admissions. Oh, and don’t forget church choir practice on Wednesdays and urgent maternity calls occurring at any hour. My dad’s day may seem never ending, but he loves practicing medicine and enjoys taking care of his patients. He finds plenty of time to do the other things he loves, which includes coaching softball, gardening, and spending time with our family.
His career requires him to put in long hours, but he’s always been around for my sister and me. When I was younger, he coached my tee ball and pony league team. As I grew up, my dad rarely missed attending a sporting event or an activity my sister and I were involved in during high school. Even in college he traveled on the weekends to watch me run cross country and track at Waynesburg College. Through the years my sister and I have learned so many valuable lessons from my father about dreaming big, working hard, and having fun. That has always been his personal motto, and he also lives by it.
It came as no surprise when I found out my dad had been selected to be Pennsylvania’s 2010 “Physician of the Year.” Out of the 4,700 family physicians practicing in our commonwealth, my dad had been selected as the year’s most outstanding. His office staff and my family traveled down to Lancaster, PA for a formal banquet last month where my dad was honored for his achievements in family practice and his commitment to caring for others. His staff and family, along with lots of other doctors, watched my dad get called onto stage to receive his award. After receiving his plaque, they asked my dad to step up to the podium and say a few words. Physicians from all over the state had their eyes on my dad, and I couldn’t help but be nervous for him. After a heartfelt appreciation speech, my dad closed his speech by reminding those in the medical field that their most important two tools will always be their ears and heart.
His simple message really resonated with me. Despite the plethora of new prescription drugs, advanced medical technologies, and so forth, my father said listening to your patients’ problems and responding with your heart will always provide the best of patient care. He couldn’t have been more right. I began thinking about how this message would apply to a teacher, and I realized that teachers’ hearts and ears are also essential to their work. There is a big difference between hearing and listening. Listening allows us to really connect with what people are saying and feeling. Could a teacher teach without that connection to his or her students? Truly listening to people is a valuable skill, but so is listening to your heart. When you do what your heart tells you to do, you will put others’ needs first and find satisfaction in knowing you did the right thing.
I’m always in awe of how much my dad actually knows. When I hear him speak Latin-like medical terms as he gives drug recommendations and precise cc dosage and milligrams measurements to hospital nurses over the phone, I wonder, how do you know this? He knows what specific pains feel like for bone breaks and illnesses he’s never had, and then he estimates how long it’s going to take for them to heal. Really dad, how do you know? Despite his wealth of knowledge, there are a lot of things my dad doesn’t know. He doesn’t know much about a full night’s sleep, what it’s like to actually have time off, and what the freedom of leaving your cell phone behind really feels like. Yet, he knows how to provide excellent care to his patients and has proven to be more than just a great dad.
We all have ears and a heart, but what are you doing with these tools? In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, don’t forget to take the time to really listen to those around you. You’ll understand your purpose in life better when you let your ears listen and your heart speak. Oh, and while we’re on the subject of things we’ve learned from doctors I must tell you—an apple a day doesn’t always keep Dr. Devlin away.
Happy Belated Father’s Day Dad.
Ryan Devlin is a 25-year-old English teacher and cross country coach at Brockway Area High School. If you appreciate doctors with a good bedside manner or want to contact Ryan become a fan of “Keep the Penny” on facebook. Total reader savings thus far for your piggy bank, seven cents.
