From the Latin, “hospitalis,” the practice of hospitality was considered a virtue for early Christians. A “hospitalia” was, historically, a place where people were warmly received and cared for.
The word has since branched off. We now think of “hospital” as a place where the sick are treated and “hospitality” as kindness, warmth, and congeniality, often reserved for visitors to our homes or places where people go to “feel at home.”
And, we are delighted that our patients are finding Still Point a haven and sanctuary; truly, we invite our patients into our “home” and are so glad and thankful that they are here.
Like home itself, we are open 24/7/365. When we first began this practice, many people wondered about this and questioned us about it. They were concerned that people would “take advantage” of us and be calling or texting or emailing 3, 4, or 5 times a day, any time of the day or night, even with “non-urgent” matters. They worried for us about demanding people who had no sense of recriprocity or respect for us and who would exploit us with some skewed sense of “entitlement.”
Yes, sadly this happened. Once. But it does not deter us.
The vast majority of our patients are wonderful, good, and kind people who continue to foster with us a strong and respectful partnership in relation to their health care. People who understand the give-and-take nature of true hospitality. People who are grateful to have the opportunity to move beyond what can be the sterile impersonality in much of the way modern medicine is practiced.
Truly, it is time for more of medicine to put back the “hospitality” into medical care. We want to invite you into our home and experience the hospitality offered by Still Point Medical as a Direct Care practice forging new/old ground in caring for people.
