Advocates for Health and Humanity

By Toren S. Davis, DO, And Bridget Bush, MD

From the Editors: It’s not often that you have a poem to publish in a physician general interest magazine and it’s that much rarer to have two. But in this issue, we thought that Heartbeat- our regular column featuring the passionate perspectives of individual members-would be the appropriate place to publish two such poems that found their way across our desks. Each is timely and beautiful, and we hope you agree.

First, from WSMA member Toren Davis, DO, who says, “I wanted to share my poem that was published earlier this year about our duty to advocate for our patients and health. Please share to anyone you would like.”

Through the ancient words of Hippocrates
we took an oath to fight disease.
To see each patient’s entire person
and the many ways their health may worsen.
So what happens when it comes to be,
that disease is born from policy?
When the greatest threats to a person’s health
are politics, power, and prospect of wealth?
As these disorders show their intent,
the treatment plan includes dissent.
To refute what brings a person harm,
and project our voice to sound alarm.
If we neglect or fail to act,
our oath does not survive intact.
And the human lives that are at stake,
will lose their shield of staff and snake.

Next, from WSMA’s new president for 2025-2026, Bridget Bush, MD, come these moving lines, which she included in her inaugural speech before the WSMA House of Delegates. She says, “I’ve struggled with depression and feeling disconnected, and I’ve learned that it’s healthy to have a mask-literally and figuratively-at work to stay safe. Sometimes it’s vital to help you to compartmentalize so you don’t fall apart when everything around you is falling apart. I’ve also learned, however, that you have to have people and places where you’re safe without the mask.”

I wear a mask at work
I wear a mask to work
I hide behind professionalism
I tell myself-my mask keeps me safe
I tell myself-my mask keeps you safe
The less you know of my pain
The less I show of what’s inside
The safer we are
From questions
From looks
From fear that I’m not enough
Well enough
Keep it together
Keep it hidden
Keep it to yourself
They tell me wellness is putting my own mask on first
Perhaps I should turn on the oxygen too

To watch Dr. Bush deliver her inaugural address, visit wsma.org/annual-meeting.

Toren Davis, DO, is a family physician affiliated with PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver. Bridget Bush, MD, is an anesthesiologist in Everett with Optum Care Washington and serves as president of the WSMA.

This article was featured in the November/December 2025 issue of WSMA Reports, WSMA’s print magazine.