At Central Heart, we often meet patients during some of their most vulnerable times. While our work is based on clinical expertise, it’s the human connection that defines the care we provide. This month, for something different, we’re sharing a personal reflection from Associate Professor (A/Prof) Ford on how one patient’s journey has left a lasting impact.
There are moments in medicine that leave a lasting mark. Sometimes they’re dramatic interventions. Other times, they’re quieter and more personal; moments where you and a patient come to a shared understanding of each other, and of the fragile, uncertain nature of life. These are the moments that stay with you, reminding you of the limits of medicine and the delicate and at times unfair nature of life.
The beginning of a journey
As doctors, we’re often invited into people’s lives at vulnerable times. Occasionally, we care for our patients over many years, and it’s during this time that we get to see not just their illness, but the fullness of their lives, their relationships, and what matters most to them.
For several years, I had the privilege of caring for Ailsa (not her real name). What began as a straightforward cardiology review for a heart rhythm condition gradually became something more meaningful. Through years of conversations, shared decisions, and simple human connection, we came to know and trust one another. Ailsa was retired and, by all accounts, living her best life — surrounded by a close-knit family and sharing that time with her husband of over fifty years.
I also got to know Ailsa’s husband, who was alongside her throughout her journey, and together they reflected a partnership shaped by a lifetime together.
When presence matters most
The turning point in Ailsa’s journey came when a cardiac scan revealed an unexpected, non-cardiac finding — an advanced cancer. This was not something I could treat as a cardiologist, and in that moment my role as her doctor changed.
When cure is no longer within reach, presence matters even more. My role became one of support and coordination. All I could do was to listen, to guide, and to expedite her journey to a cancer specialist as quickly as possible. Not long after Ailsa met with the oncologist, her condition was diagnosed as terminal, which was particularly upsetting to learn. Despite receiving the best available care, her condition deteriorated rapidly. Ailsa’s body, already weakened by a cardiac condition, became too frail to recover.
What followed were some of the most difficult, but also the most important, conversations. Together with her family, we recognised that the focus needed to shift away from prolonging life at all costs, and towards preserving comfort, dignity, and time together.
Lessons from Ailsa’s journey
Ailsa passed away with peace and dignity, surrounded by those who loved her. It was incredibly hard for everyone to accept, including Ailsa. And yet, within that sadness, there was also clarity. Her life had been rich, grounded in love, family, and an enduring partnership. In the end, it was these relationships that mattered most.
Her journey was a powerful reminder of how precious and fragile life is. It reinforced something we all know, but often forget — that life is short, uncertain, and not always fair. Ailsa’s journey has stayed with me as a quiet lesson in how to live: to value time, to nurture relationships, and to appreciate what truly matters.
I feel so lucky to have found this career, working alongside dedicated colleagues and staff, and to care for and learn from patients who place their trust in us. It’s impossible to do this job for many decades without feeling the emotional weight of it, and yet it remains a profound privilege.
This piece is written in tribute to a wonderful woman, Ailsa, and to her family. May she rest in peace.
Here for our community
Our team at Central Heart are dedicated to caring for our patients and the connected community. If this story has impacted you in any way, please get in touch with us. We’d love to hear from you.