" For instance, he thoughtfully notes that the words "pain" and "suffering" have become so interchangeably used that they inaccurately seem to have merged into one concept, and this is exactly what Cassell rejects! In fact, Eric Cassell is considered a major voice in this aspect, especially that he has shed light on the ethical perspectives on pain and suffering, considering that each word conveys a completely different meaning. According to Eric Cassell, while distress is a set of observable or measurable bodily events, suffering is more of a subjective issue. In fact, it is of great importance to realize that the latter represents a dimension of distress that the person and (not the physical body) experiences beyond physical pain. Also, he stresses the idea that not all pain is categorized as suffering, especially in the situation when the person perceives that the outcome of his/her pain is rewarding (e.g.,. Mother delivering a child). This is what makes the concept of "suffering" difficult to circumscribe and pushes Cassell to reflect on how "suffering is experienced by persons, not merely by bodies.".
2. Family Member's Suffering.
Not only did this module shed light on the patients' suffering, but also it showed us that family members' suffering ought not to be ignored. In fact, since patients are not the only ones who suffer, it seems essential for the next generation of physicians to work on reducing the family members' suffering as well so that these can fully play their role in taking good care of their beloved ones and making them feel better. Listening to the story of someone who lost her mother, Samira, was the greatest thing we have encountered ever since the start of this module! I recall that with every time the speaker wiped or expressed how close she was to her mother, I felt a tear was about to escape my eyes! Scenes of my experience with my father flashed in the back of my head, especially at the point when the speaker noted that her mother became no longer responsive that she eventually found herself sitting next to her bed, calming her, and explaining to her that everything will be fine after their separation.
