A New Year, A Renewed Commitment:

All of us need a compass in life. Day to day, our principles serve as this guide, moulding the choices we make. In his reflection, Lord Laidlaw's surgeon Dr Struwig highlights the ripple effect that occurs when we do the right thing: actions speak louder than words, inspiring those around us to follow suit. 

Lord Laidlaw wanted to share Dr Struwig's thoughts with you because they beautifully capture the reason he set up the Scholars' programme and continues to fund it fully himself today. His aim is to support a new generation of wise thinkers and good leaders; who with curiosity, understanding and resilience create a lasting impact on the world. In doing so, they - you - will inspire others to lead with integrity too.

Doing the Right Thing, Because It Is the Right Thing to Do

As the clock resets and the new year begins, we often reflect on the paths we’ve walked and the journeys that lie ahead. In our practice, this introspection leads to a guiding question: what kind of impact do we wish to have as medical professionals and as human beings? This year, our answer is anchored in a simple yet profound principle: doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do.

This theme is not just a lofty ideal but a compass guiding our relationships with patients, colleagues, and ourselves. It is rooted in timeless wisdom and practical application, reflecting the stoic philosophy that reminds us that true fulfilment lies in living with integrity, serving others, and aligning our actions with our values.

The Wisdom of the Compass: Doing What Is Right

Imagine for a moment a mariner lost at sea, surrounded by endless horizons of water. Even the most experienced sailors cannot find their way without a compass. The compass, unwavering and steady, points true north — a simple tool that holds the power to save a life.

In our daily lives, our principles serve as our internal compass. They anchor us in stormy seas and keep us from drifting into complacency or compromise. “Doing the right thing” is our true north, a reminder to act with honour even when the waters are rough, or no one else is watching.

 In our practice, this translates into every decision we make, from how we guide patients through their healing journeys to how we interact as a team. It means recommending treatments based not on convenience or profit but on what genuinely benefits the patient. It means educating, supporting, and empowering others to make decisions that align with their best interests, not just for the short term but for a lifetime.

 Empowering Patients Through Education

 Our commitment to doing the right thing goes hand in hand with equipping our patients to do the same. Education is the bridge that transforms uncertainty into confidence and empowers individuals to take ownership of their health.

 Let me illustrate this with an example. Picture a gardener tending to a tree. The gardener’s role is not to grow the tree for it but to create the right conditions — providing fertile soil, adequate water, and sunlight — so the tree can thrive on its own. Similarly, as medical professionals, we provide the tools, guidance, and resources, but it is ultimately up to the patient to nurture their own health and healing.

 For instance, when a patient comes to us with a wound, it is not enough for us to treat the physical injury. We must also help them understand the “why” and “how” behind their care. Why does regular dressing change matter? How does proper nutrition aid recovery? Education is our way of planting seeds of understanding and resilience, ensuring that patients can navigate their health journeys long after they leave our care.

 Stoic Wisdom in Action

 Stoicism teaches us that our actions, not circumstances, define our character. Marcus Aurelius wrote, “Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.” This principle resonates deeply with our theme. Doing the right thing often requires courage and discipline, mainly when the easier path seems tempting.

 Take, for example, a patient seeking an elective procedure for the wrong reasons—perhaps chasing fleeting beauty rather than addressing an underlying concern. It might be simpler to accommodate their request, but it would not be right. Instead, the harder, more ethical course is to have an honest conversation, guiding them to understand their true motivations and make decisions aligned with their well-being.

 As a team, we hold ourselves accountable to these standards, challenging each other to remain steadfast in our values. Whether it is Sr. Beryl’s meticulous wound care, Amori’s dedication to ensuring a seamless patient experience, or my role in providing clarity and counsel, a shared commitment to this principle unites us.

 The Ripple Effect of Integrity

 One of the most beautiful aspects of doing the right thing is its ripple effect. Acts of integrity inspire others to act with integrity. Patients who see the care and thoughtfulness in how we treat them are often inspired to approach their own lives with greater mindfulness and compassion.

 This ripple effect extends beyond the confines of our practice. Patients empowered to care for their wounds properly may share their knowledge with a family member facing a similar challenge. A colleague who witnesses our team’s dedication may carry that same ethos into their practice. The impact grows, often in ways we cannot foresee.

 Practical Steps for the Year Ahead

 As we embark on this year’s journey, here are some practical ways we can all embrace the principle of “doing the right thing” in our daily lives:

 Pause and Reflect: Before making a decision, take a moment to ask yourself: Is this the right thing to do, or merely the easiest or most convenient?

 Seek Knowledge: Equip yourself with the information needed to make informed choices. Whether it’s understanding the treatment options or the long-term impact of a lifestyle change, knowledge is power.

 Lead by Example: Be an example of integrity in your personal and professional life. Others often find inspiration in actions rather than words.

 Practice Gratitude and Patience: Doing the right thing is not always rewarded immediately. Trust that living with integrity brings its own rewards, even if they take time to materialise.

 Stay Grounded in Purpose: When challenges arise, return to your “why.” Remember what drives you and let that guide your actions.

 Looking Ahead

 As we journey through this year, let us strive not for perfection but for purpose. Let us choose integrity over convenience, wisdom over expedience, and compassion over indifference. Together, as a team and a community, we can create an environment where doing the right thing is a principle and a way of life.

 Let me leave you with a quote from C.S.Lewis that captures the heart of our theme: “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” May it inspire us to navigate the year ahead with courage, conviction, and compassion.

 Warm regards,

 Dr. Dehan Struwig & The Team: Sr. Beryl Mouton & Amori