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In A Heartbreaking Open Letter, Doctor Explains Why He Checks Facebook Of His Dead Patients Before Notifying Their Parents

One of the hardest challenges we face in life is the death of a loved one. But what we usually don’t see, is how breaking this devastating news to someone can be emotionally taxing for doctors as well. They are the first ones to see the suffering families and yet must to remain calm and professional.

Recently, Louis M. Profeta, an emergency physician at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, shared a sad and touching story about breaking the news to a parent that their child didn’t make it. Scroll down below to read the full story and learn why he always checks the Facebook profile of the patients that he loses. Be prepared to shed a tear or two! (Facebook cover image: PhotoSpirit)

More info: Capinron

A doctor revealed that he always checks the Facebook accounts of his dead patients before breaking the news to their parents

In A Heartbreaking Open Letter, Doctor Explains Why He Checks Facebook Of His Dead Patients Before Notifying Their Parents

Image credits: Eric

In A Heartbreaking Open Letter, Doctor Explains Why He Checks Facebook Of His Dead Patients Before Notifying Their Parents

In a heartbreaking open letter, the doctor explained why he feels it is his duty to “learn just a little bit” about his former patients

In A Heartbreaking Open Letter, Doctor Explains Why He Checks Facebook Of His Dead Patients Before Notifying Their Parents

Image credits: MilitaryHealth

In A Heartbreaking Open Letter, Doctor Explains Why He Checks Facebook Of His Dead Patients Before Notifying Their Parents

The doctor also described the devastating feelings that he faces whenever such a tragedy strikes

In A Heartbreaking Open Letter, Doctor Explains Why He Checks Facebook Of His Dead Patients Before Notifying Their Parents

Image credits: Kerry Lannert

In A Heartbreaking Open Letter, Doctor Explains Why He Checks Facebook Of His Dead Patients Before Notifying Their Parents

To some people, the open letter was not only touching but also eye-opening

In A Heartbreaking Open Letter, Doctor Explains Why He Checks Facebook Of His Dead Patients Before Notifying Their Parents

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Neringa is a proud writer at Bored Panda who used to study English and French linguistics. Although she has many different interests, she's particularly drawn to covering stories about pop culture as well as history. While not at the office, this Panda enjoys creepy movies, poetry, photography and learning how to play the piano.

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Julie He 6 years ago

When my patient is dying, I am affected for weeks to months. I cried when my patient facetimed her adult son who is running to get on the next flight and let him know that she is not going to make it. Sometimes I am more emotionally exhausted after work than anything. I wont look up anyone's facebook, but I like listening to the family member tell me about the patient, how many kids and grandkids they have, what they did, and all the good memories that the had.

90points

Isla Reyne 6 years ago

I have the utmost respect and love for people that do what you do. Even veterinarians. I don't have it in me, but I'm glad that people like you do. Otherwise, where would the rest of us be?

25points

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Eric Bosco 6 years ago

I can relate to this open letter better than I’d care to admit. I spent nearly 15 years in emergency medicine. Through those years I got hurt and saw horrible things. But with out a doubt in my mind the hardest part of the job was telling family their loved ones were gone. As they begged us to try something, anything but it was too late. People often ask what the worst thing I saw was. It’s never what people expect, they expect a tale of carnage. It was Christmas morning and a mans two small kids found him dead in his sleep. He had proposed to their mom just hours earlier and she was pregnant with their 3rd child. The agony in those faces and the pleading with us to try is something I will never be able to unsee or forget. You never know when your day will come.

57points

Person2638 6 years ago

Those damn onions...

42points

Night Owl 6 years ago

yeah, the ninjas are at it again *sniff*

22points

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Julie He 6 years ago

90points

Isla Reyne 6 years ago

I have the utmost respect and love for people that do what you do. Even veterinarians. I don't have it in me, but I'm glad that people like you do. Otherwise, where would the rest of us be?

25points

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Eric Bosco 6 years ago

57points

Person2638 6 years ago

Those damn onions...

42points

Night Owl 6 years ago

yeah, the ninjas are at it again *sniff*

22points

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In A Heartbreaking Open Letter, Doctor Explains Why He Checks Facebook Of His Dead Patients Before Notifying Their Parents

A doctor revealed that he always checks the Facebook accounts of his dead patients before breaking the news to their parents

In a heartbreaking open letter, the doctor explained why he feels it is his duty to “learn just a little bit” about his former patients

The doctor also described the devastating feelings that he faces whenever such a tragedy strikes

To some people, the open letter was not only touching but also eye-opening

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Neringa Utaraitė

Neringa Utaraitė