Things That Make a Doctor

In Sickbay, Dr. Birchfield sat at his desk looking at his computer screen. His eyes started to hurt so he pulled away from the monitor and rubbed his eyes. Something drew his attention to the plaque he had hanging up in office of his graduation from Starfleet Medical......

Cochrane Field, Starfleet Academy : April 5, 2352

"Please rise for our anthem." Said the Dean of the Medical Academy and SFA. A young Cadet Jonathan Birchfield looked around, he saw his mother, sister and his father crying.....he was finally going to become a doctor, the first doctor in his family in over 200 years. The anthem played full and hard, it was patriotic, and powerful. Jonathan's favourite part was whenever the strings came in and played the bridge, but it was nice and today was also the anniversary of when Cochrane flew the Phoenix, breaking the warp barrier.

The dean spoke after the anthem "Today you all are carrying with you the duties and the honour of a Starfleet Medical Doctor. I believe that a medical officer is the hardest duty in Starfleet, but also, the most rewarding, it takes a special person to become a doctor, it is a life of sacrifice and a life of respect. I now call upon our Valedictorian, Jonathan Birchfield, to receive his degrees and recite the Hippocratic oath.

Jonathan walked up, proud and beaming, smiling. He shook hands with the dean received his degrees and stepped to the podium to make a speech.

He said "I would like to thank my professors, The Dean of the Medical School, Tulane University, my parents, God and mostly my colleagues, it has been some fun years and I have enjoyed it with passion. We are all becoming doctors, can you believe it....Hard to believe really, almost.... like a dream. I believe it was Emily Dickenson who said "If I can heal pain, I shall not have died in vain" well frankly I believe in that. As I look out into the audiences I don't see pay checks, hyposprays, laser scalpels, cardiologists, gynaecologists well maybe I see them a little bit more.'" there was some laughter at that comment

"I see my friends, all joining me on a path that few people take, I see them not as just doctors, they are my family, and these moments, these long years, I would not trade them for anything. Go forth, God speed, God bless, and take care of those whom you have responsibility of."

The dean spoke "Please raise your right hand, Mr. Birchfield and recite the Hippocratic Oath."

"Now being admitted to the Profession of Medicine, I Jonathan Birchfield pledge myself to the service of humanity. I recognise my obligation to serve my patients, my community, and my profession. I will use my skills to serve all in need, with openness of spirit and without bias. The health and well being of my patients are my first consideration above anything else. I will not subordinate the dignity of any person through scientific or political ends. I recognise I have the responsibilities to support my community, to strengthen its welfare, and to speak out against the injustices of society. The high regard of my profession is born of society trust in its practitioners, I shall strive to merit that trust."

The dean spoke up. "By the powers invested in me by The United Federation of Planets and The Federation Medical Association and all entitled, I now pronounce you Doctor Jonathan Birchfield."

Jonathan woke up from the dream, it was a nice dream, but just a reminder of what he is made of.