When Conscience Resides in a Doctor's Heart
I am deeply moved by those beautiful and noble humanitarian gestures that I occasionally encounter, which continually affirm the enduring goodness and authenticity in the hearts of my esteemed countrymen. These noble acts often lead me to exclude them from my documentation methodology regarding Kuwaiti society at large, and specifically within my series “Role Models from My Country” and “Philanthropists from My Country.” In these two blessed series of my works, my documentation approach primarily focuses on those of my countrymen who have passed away, based on the rationale that the living have not yet ceased their contributions, and to avoid any suspicion of hypocrisy or trial. Despite these two logical reasons, it is natural for me to occasionally set aside these conditions and make room to highlight the positive impacts of beautiful personalities who live among us, leaving good imprints and noble deeds, especially if they are promising young Kuwaitis. This is done to honor, encourage, and appreciate them, and to establish them as contemporary role models that leave no room for doubt regarding the continuity and persistence of goodness in this blessed nation, as affirmed by the Truthful, the Verified (peace and blessings be upon him, his family, and his companions).
It is worth noting that these loyal young Kuwaitis have an excellent role model and a fine leadership example: His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Abdulwahab Al-Awadi, the Kuwaiti Minister of Health. He exemplifies a strong sense of responsibility toward his fellow Kuwaitis. I have personally witnessed many kind gestures in which he did not hesitate to personally care for and follow up on numerous medical cases involving his countrymen. Moreover, due to his diligence and good character, he delegates his office staff to facilitate the affairs and procedures of visitors to his office when he is occupied with other ministerial duties. They, like him, are keen to meet citizens' needs, generously rewarded by God, not merely as subordinates.
Here, we stand in respect for all dedicated and devoted doctors and their supporting medical teams, especially our promising youth from successive medical generations in our beloved state of Kuwait. Although I will cite only one example of this beautiful medical youth elite here, I sincerely and firmly believe that there are many more in our beloved Kuwait. All praise and grace belong to God.
Among these beautiful and noteworthy incidents is that of the young Kuwaiti doctor, Dr. Nasser Salah Al-Nassif (may God protect him), an orthopedic specialist. He is a pioneering model who, along with his fellow doctors, set a remarkable example of humanity and a strong sense of responsibility, even while on leave, outside the country, and away from the hospital. Through his good ethics, he presented a refined model of how a doctor’s conduct should be. His noble deeds left beautiful impressions and positive effects on his patients personally, and naturally among many of our esteemed Kuwaitis who interacted closely with this authentic Kuwaiti personality.
Dr. Nasser Salah Al-Nassif and his like among loyal doctors (may God protect them all) have proven that medicine is not merely a profession practiced within hospitals and clinics, nor does a doctor’s responsibility end with the conclusion of working hours or a patient leaving the clinic. The true doctor is one who carries his mission in his heart and keeps his conscience vigilant toward his patients wherever he is. Dr. Nasser does not view a patient merely as a medical case that ends with the examination or surgery; rather, he sees a human being who has the right to care, reassurance, and follow-up. Therefore, he is always keen, generously rewarded by God, to communicate with his patients and check on their conditions, even during his private time and personal leave. For him, a doctor’s responsibility knows no temporal boundaries and does not stop at geographical limits.
The beauty of this noble character is that his concern for his patients does not cease even when he travels abroad. Instead of completely disconnecting from his work and patients to enjoy his vacation, his heart remains attached to the conditions of those he has treated or followed up with, especially after surgical procedures. He stays in touch with them, inquires about the progress of their health, and monitors their treatment path, as if he has committed himself to adopting these cases until he is fully assured of their recovery. Dr. Nasser does not limit his inquiry to the patient alone; his concern extends to asking the doctors who continue to follow the case after his departure, inquiring about developments and monitoring the treatment process with them. He ensures that matters proceed correctly and that the patient receives the necessary adequate care.
This elevated behavior of Dr. Nasser Salah Al-Nassif (may God protect him), and that of his like among honorable doctors with living consciences and pure hearts, reveals the authenticity, “righteousness” of their nature, and “noble” ethics. It confirms that when medicine is coupled with humanity, it transforms from a profession into a mission, from science into mercy, and from a job responsibility into a trust that the bearer carries in his heart wherever he goes. It also reminds us that the greatest asset a doctor possesses is not just his knowledge, but his feeling heart, his watchful conscience, and his humanity, which turns the treatment of people into a lofty mission and enduring value.
Thus, Dr. Nasser Salah Al-Nassif deserves to be one of the shining Kuwaiti examples we are proud of, and a model of a doctor who combined science and ethics, competence and mercy, responsibility and humanity. He confirms that the true doctor does not abandon his patients when he leaves his clinic; rather, he remains present with them through his conscience, prayers, and care.
What reassures the heart, and all praise and grace belong to God, is that there are many like him among our promising youth, men and women, in the large Kuwaiti medical corps; the limited space of this article does not allow mentioning them all. May God reward him and his like among the good and loyal people of Kuwait.
Dr. Abdulmohsin Al-Jarallah Al-Kharafi
