Palliative Doctor Cycles 160km for his Patients
It is not often that life and death decisions become commonplace in your job. But that is what palliative care doctors face daily. When it is no longer about finding a cure, these doctors are finding what dignity and quality of life means to each patient and striving to help them live their remaining lives to the fullest. Sometimes the doctor’s assistance has less to do with medicine and everything to do with humanity.
Dr. Bob Sauls, Medical Director of the Palliative Care Unit at Credit Valley Hospital is such a doctor. He is a recognized leader in the field of palliative care and recently won the Ontario Medical Association Award of Excellence in Palliative Care.
Helping patients face their fears becomes a daily activity for Dr. Sauls. With dying comes the review of a patient's life, which may cause existential distress. Patients may wonder whether their life has had meaning and whether they have fulfilled their life goals. What was accomplished? What are things that have been left undone? What legacy is being left behind? As Dr. Sauls reflects, "In the end, we all need to know that our life has had some meaning. The ways in which these questions are explored and answered are as diverse as the individuals being cared for. Sometimes the most natural starting point is to create a space for patients to tell the stories of their lives. This may occur in bits and pieces informally, or it may occur in more deliberate conversations. The hope is that the meaning will be discovered where it most often lies - within the fabric of the patient's life."
When the Healing Cycle Foundation began supporting Credit Valley Hospital’s palliative care unit through its annual cycling fundraiser, Dr. Sauls dusted off an old hybrid bike and participated in its event, completing the 50km route. The next year he got serious about cycling, invested in a new road bike and challenged himself to the 100km route of the fundraiser. When the Healing Cycle introduced the 160km Gran Fondo for its September 13th ride this year – one of the toughest organized endurance rides in Southern Ontario – he knew he would rise to the challenge, both with training and raising funds.
Asked why he participates in these annual cycling fundraisers when he already gives so much to his patients, he replied, “I think it is important for me to be engaged with a group who is putting so much effort into supporting us. The commitment to the idea of palliative care really runs through the core of the Healing Cycle Foundation and I really appreciate that. And, I love cycling! I feel compelled to set personal goals, particularly around sports, so the Gran Fondo is the obvious next step.” Dr. Sauls is literally “going the extra mile” for his patients!
A team of doctors, nurses and staff from Credit Valley Hospital are joining Dr. Sauls at this year’s Healing Cycle and while they may not all be completing the Gran Fondo, they all demonstrate the same high level of caring and commitment to their patients.