TO SEE NEW PERSPECTIVES THROUGH THE EYES OF OTHERS
I have often felt it would be a very boring world if everyone was exactly alike. The same viewpoints. The same politics. The same likes. The same wants and desires.
In my personal and professional lives, I have learned over and over that my viewpoints are just that - my viewpoints. There are certainly other individuals with different perspectives. Respect. I have learned that “respect” is the best first reaction to viewpoints that are different than my own.
Allow me to share a technique that I have found to be useful from two ways - first, to better appreciate and offer respect to someone’s viewpoint; and second, a better understanding of your own viewpoint.
The technique is quite simple. Call a time out with your own viewpoints. Try to put yourself within the persona of the other person. Try to see their views through their eyes. Think about the points being made by the opposing view. Think about the positive perspectives. Think about how it might work.
Now with two viewpoints within your mind, you can begin to see how and if the two viewpoints might be merged into one. This is the foundation for the art of compromise. This is the foundation for developing better ideas.
WHAT DO DOCTORS WEAR UNDER THOSE WHITE LAB COATS?
I think the field of medicine is fascinating! Not that I want to be a doctor, but rather my focus is on the application of science to help people have better health.
As an engineer, I am also fascinated by how medical science has incorporated engineering technology to deliver better health care to patients.
I recently was one of 18 interns hosted by The Metro Omaha Medical Society. My fellow interns and I were each assigned to shadow four medical doctors.
I spent half a day with a facial and dental surgeon; an emergency room doctor; a family practice physician; and last, a gastroenterology physician.
At each location, I was asked to put on a white lab coat commonly worn by each of the physicians. I was introduced as an intern from The Metro Omaha Medical Society. I was able to see, hear and learn.
I was fascinated by the calm approach of each physician. I was tremendously impressed with the sensitivity they had with each patient. They searched through questions for a deeper understanding of the patient’s problem.
I was able to observe a facial surgery wherein they were breaking loose the upper jaw in order to move the left side of the jaw forward 1/2″ and the right side of the jaw forward 1/8″. They were trying to correct the upper and lower bite of the teeth while at the same time giving the patient a fuller face around his nose and cheeks. I thought of structural engineering in progress at the hands of the two surgeons and their staff. I was intrigued with the technology of the machine to control breathing and the addition of medicines during the surgery to control blood pressure and other vital signs (as well as keeping the patient sedated). I was intrigued by the high intensity headlamps focused very discreetly on the bridge of the nose between the operating physician’s eyes. And as I surveyed the operating area, my eye caught the high tech medical storage tray cabinet containing much needed medicines and instruments to support the physicians with that impressive name on the top of “CRAFTSMAN.” Yes, they had shopped at Sears.
The fourth doctor caused me to recall much of my engineering dealing with fluid dynamics and the flow of liquids and materials through enclosed pipes. For those of you not familiar with the medicine of gastroenterology, it is the science of dealing with the large intestine. I was able to see in color a very clear channel. I was educated on the science of how our wonderful body takes its nourishment and its water. But I was also able to see through the magic of engineering - lights, camera, action!
What a wonderful two days! How blessed we are to have medical science and technology ready for our continual usage right here in Omaha!
And, what do physicians wear under those white lab coats? It is a secret which I am sworn to keep!
Jim Suttle
Omaha City Councilmember
District 1
Mr. Suttle, good advice and insight. As you remember myself and a number of UNO Democrats helped on your campaign. It was a good use of our time especially because you won. From my understanding beating an incumbent is not an easy task. From that time I have tried to keep up with your service and efforts in the Omaha City Council. I attended the meeting when the police liason was an issue. I was very impressed by you and Mr. Brown. Of course, you supported the measure and I felt even more proud to be part of the team that put you in office. Even though the measure did not pass, the effort, resolve and logic you put forth in your argument for the police liason was outstanding. I am looking forward to see what you have in store for Omaha.
Mr. Suttle, I am so happy to see you serving honorably on our City Council. I could not have been more productive on my Saturdays and Sundays than walking door to door with you and helpiong out your campaign. And what an ending!!! I can only imagine what you have in store for Omaha, and look forward to helping you again, maybe for a higher office in the future!!