The Family Meeting

Usually noting that interns lack the experience and emotional resiliency to approach such difficult situations, the palliative care attending had uncharacteristically suggested that Mariana lead the family meeting. Mrs. Khondakar had intensely bonded with Mariana, perhaps because they were both immigrants, but more likely because Mariana was such a big-hearted doctor who really cared for her patients, immigrants or not. Despite her harried intern schedule, Mariana spent time with patients, listening to their personal stories, going back in the afternoons to discuss test results, something other interns left until the next morning.