Grace and Faith in the Little Moments

In a society where overindulgence is expected and success must be achieved at all costs, the subtle and discreet often go unnoticed. However, as Dr. David Buchanan nears retirement and reflects on his years in family medicine, he believes the little conversations throughout a day and silent prayers between patients are what really make a kingdom impact.

Buchanan recalls one instance where a comment he made helped make a big difference for a patient. A psychologist approached him to let him know that a patient experiencing panic attacks benefitted from advice Buchanan had forgotten he had offered.

“One patient said, ‘Dr. Buchanan told me to think, “This is just a panic attack. I'll be okay.” That really helped me.’ I do not remember saying that, but I must have. Maybe God led me to say it, and I didn't even know it,” Buchanan says. 

Buchanan believes that keeping faith at the front of his mind throughout the day has helped him better serve his patients. He works to show love and compassion to each patient and tries to really listen to them. When he has a particularly difficult situation or day, Buchanan often finds himself talking to God about it.

“Praying for [patients] helps me keep me focused. I pray between patients or at night instead of stressing out,” he says. 

Buchanan also says he’s found that sometimes patients bring up that they believe in God or are open to discussing spirituality when he mentions it. In these cases, Buchanan tries to take the opportunity to discuss faith with them. Other times patients or patients’ family members are open to prayer. Sometimes Buchanan mentions that he’s been praying about a patient’s situation, and that person and their family are very appreciative. These small conversations and comments might seem small, but Buchanan believes a patient’s spiritual health factors into his
overall mission as a doctor. This goes back to why Buchanan got into medicine in
the first place.

“I wanted to study medicine and become a physician because of my faith. I wanted to serve people and show the love of God through medicine. That was my plan from the very start, so I need to think about all [my patients] needs, emotional, physical, and spiritual,” he says. 

For those currently in the healthcare field or those training to enter the healthcare field, Buchanan believes that they will be able to better handle the demanding workload and stresses of the job if they prioritize their own health and faith. 

“Make sure to take time to support your spiritual life, your time with God. Bible study, prayer, devotions, and those types of things. Stay focused on your mission,” he says. 

Buchanan says the Christian community he’s found throughout his career has really encouraged him as well.

“[My coworkers] have been supportive and very helpful,” he says. “If you have staff that are like-minded, pray with them and discuss situations with them. Look for people who will support you.” 

Though these relationships with coworkers, conversations with patients, and prayers lifted up throughout the day might seem like minor details, Dr. Buchanan is proof that they make a difference over the course of a career. This idea of faithfulness in the little things brings to mind Galatians 6:9, “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”