Whenever we’re not feeling well we may choose to visit our doctor or go to a hospital, according to the severity of our illness at the time. No matter the case, patients trust the caretaker, the hospital and the prognosis, diagnosis and procedure of care for the ailment. While some issues are not of dire concern and can be ‘fixed,’ cured or treated with an injection, at-home instructions or a prescription—some are not such a simple medical fix.
When Rev. Enoch Fuzz, pastor of Corinthian Missionary Baptist church, was admitted to Metro Nashville General Hospital, he had an advocate to speak on his behalf. His physician, Rachel Thomas, was always there to demand specified tests and procedures that were out of her particular jurisdiction. She made life-saving efforts on his behalf. Also, during this time of the coronavirus pandemic when families are not allowed to sit beside loved ones, it is especially important to know who will advocate for you. It then becomes our obligation to be our own advocates. Yet, patients don’t always know the processes involved with the medical field.
This may be especially difficult in accordance to the health issue. Patients don’t know, nor do they have the authorization to demand, certain things that are necessary for their well-being. It is definitely a plus to have a doctor as your personal advocate. There are many areas in the field of medicine that patients take for granted. We may feel that we will definitely get all the care we need as a priority. That may not always be the case. We just trust it to be.
As we remember the journey of Rev. Fuzz and his battle with stage 4-lung cancer, thus far, we trust in the prayers he so ardently requests. He is indeed grateful to have such a demanding doctor and encourages the community to be your own advocate.
“Everyone has a right to proper care. You may not be able to talk directly to certain people, but learn to advocate for yourself,” Rev. Fuzz said, “because everyone won’t have a doctor that will advocate for their patient at all costs.”
Continue to pray for Rev. Fuzz’s health and his healing. Readers are also encouraged to check on him through his Facebook posts and continue to follow Rev. Enoch Fuzz’s journey, ‘Cancer: My Journey in Time’ by reading this column each week.
