The miracle of Lourdes

Editor— After reading about Oliver Plunkett's excursion to Lourdes,¹ I want to share my own personal experience of visiting this enchanting French town in the summer of 1998. The event was a life changing experience and established many of the beliefs that I have adapted as an integral part of my medical education.

Lourdes is a holy land—that is true. It is also true that belief in religious practices has rapidly dwindled in the UK. Lourdes need not have purely religious connotations, however, because whether you believe in miracles or not you should be aware of individual choice to seek comfort from whatever means—for example, religion or complementary therapies.

As medical students and future doctors, we have the opportunity to do much good and ease suffering. To some, such deeds seem God-like, but to think like this is dangerous: it serves only to divide doctors from their patients. When it comes down to it, we are all human.

We must make sure we maintain our enthusiasm in the science and art of medicine. Look into the eyes, minds, and hearts of our patients, colleagues, and fellow human beings. Look to the metaphysical energy eloquently described by George Lucas as “the power and endemic force which binds us all.” Whatever our reasons for being where we are today, we cannot forget the great opportunity we have to do good: whether our faith is held with God or not, we must make sure that it is never lost with humanity.

1. Plunkett O. The miracles of Lourdes. studentBMJ 2002;10:33-4. (February.)