The Emergency Room: A Window into Us | Louis Profeta | TEDxWabashCollege

Dr. Louis Profeta offers a unique portrait of the emergency room, one that is magical and not just tragic, and one that contains every human emotion and every type of unique interaction. Through a series of short scenes, you will be guided upon an emotional, but entertaining journey that challenges your perspective on the emergency room.
Dr. Louis Profeta is a writer and Emergency Room Physician at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. He is the author of the critically acclaimed book “The Patient in Room Nine Says He's God.” His essays on topics ranging from youth sports to end of life care have been read by millions. In 2015, he was named LinkedIn's top voice in health care writing. His recent essay “I Know You Love Me Now Let Me Die,” has become one of LinkedIn's the most read article of all time.​
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@pamlewkoski9457]

I worked with Dr. Profeta 20 years ago and every night was an adventure. Thank you for telling part of the ER story and doing it with grace and emotion.

[@oz2986]

where did you work?

[@JenniferannGendron]

Supercaliafragilistiexpalidocious!!!! Flow blown girlie tears but touched with happy tears of true humanity!!! Bravo bravo!!! Listening to you was as moving as listening to a live symphony playing Beethoven’s 9th!!!!! I was an ER RN 20 yes ago but now I am a RN case manager. My husband is an ER RN and our besties are ER MDs. Thank you doc for that brilliant amazing funny and touching (re-enacted ) performances. Xoxo doc! 🥳

[@JenniferannGendron]

@@oz2986 Baton Rouge general, north oaks, and then traveled as an ER RN. My husband still does travel ER. We got our 2 Weimaraners in NY in 2018 and we often visit and go work in CT, Navy ICU RN at YALE MEd centre (she is in NP school now FYI) and her Marine Pilot Vet hubby, Dave …we are in LA right now but who knows where we will go next …!!!! Ps. … personally,,,, it only takes that one patient, they are so thankful that we made a true trueness for them. And that feeling I get from them, here in the right sided 5th intercostal space midcavicular line,…… all the silly hard work PIA job BS silly xyz hullabaloo !!!!!!!!! COMPLETELY gives the true meaning to what I do, and what you do do, and what all the truly amazing others do 🤪😝😘🥰👍

[@michellegriesman8723]

I think everyone should watch this, and then show it to every young person they know.

[@BrianODonohue]

I've been a Nurse for over 25 years, but I'm relatively new to the ER. This should be required viewing for anyone choosing to work in Emergency. Thank You Dr. Profeta.

[@MisSorryforthespam]

"That's someone's little girl, Sarah." I just found out about Death Doulas the other day. What an amazing idea so that no one ever has to die alone.

[@emobean]

This brings up my passion to be an ER doctor. I cried watching this talk because of how beautiful, how touching, how raw it was. Thank you.

[@highlyfavored2434]

I'm so glad I'm am ED nurse soon to be a medical student.. you basically offer community health, emergency care, and collaborate with every specialist and other health professionals. As Dr. Profeta says everyone in the community walks through the ER.

[@theduke6174]

same, i didn't cry though

[@quantumcrash7266]

Yup Yup, same here. This gives me an extra boost of inspiration...sometimes I wonder if I'll be able to function in that level of intensity for the long haul like Dr. Profeta. Good luck with your studies for now, tho! :)

[@mrmcbeth]

Where are you now?

[@malehuseng8196]

ก็ๆมี. แต่ไม่โงย. ไห้ หมด. ใน. ไอ จี. ชี. จี

[@autumnh5287]

I cried at the end. I was all yeah whatever but when he said " that's someone's little girl" I cried

[@JoshuaMarti]

@@WeAreComingHome , Autumn H, Likewise

[@AStef-tl8yj]

All these fascinating stories ... How could you find them uninteresting? I felt like I was in the ER and the title is perfect.-

[@niftynic115]

That last story got me. Such dignity he showed that woman. God bless those who work in ERs.

[@betsyklein1263]

What a wonderful way to describe just what ERs are like! I was an RN in the ER for 14 years prior to retiring. Dr.Profeta described perfectly how we, as the staff, have to be kind, understanding, empathetic, & sometimes very direct, and always honest with the patients & families. Some days were tough & I'd take it home with me to digest. It's hard for me not to. But, in the long run, I loved doing my job because it made me feel good to be able to help someone... even if it was only bringing a nursing home patient a warm blanket & a pair of socks because this certain nursing home ALWAYS sent their residents to us in bare feet. Because that... That moment of caring about the comfort of the patient as a human being... That's what the patients remember. Thanks for another wonderful Tedx.

[@tzurielsapir2969]

One of the best TED talks I’ve ever seen. Incredible. This video is so influential if not life-changing.

[@neelywebb2154]

Excellent n eloquent presentation Dr P ❤

[@sophiasmith536]

My mother was an ER nurse. I can only imagine the things she has seen and hearing this talk makes me remember all the nights she came home with a million emotions on her face. The stories she shared with me. The passion. The sacrifices. The pride I feel knowing this is going to be my career someday as well. Beautiful talk.

[@shyannebailey1070]

That last part got me. I work in a nursing home..I've sat,with music playing, holding the hands of so many as they took their last breathe..I felt that. ❤

[@goatygal]

My friend was just diagnosed with terminal leukemia. I needed to process and I found this. While it isn’t ER related I just needed it. This man is heaven sent. It made me realize how powerful all of this is... and how we affect each other. Thank you nurses, doctors, and staff for everything. Thank you for sharing this.

[@ericawilliams8539]

Goaty Gal and Family I know we don’t know each other, but my heart aches for you and your friend. Cancer doesn’t discriminate. I wish you all the best. ♥️

[@goatygal]

Erica Williams thank you so much! She is in remission for now pending the marrow transplant. She has a soul mate looking after her and he is great for her. Your well wishes help a lot. If you subscribe to me I will subscribe to you.

[@stevieb.5836]

Big hugs

[@hibaimene9684]

Hey there, i know this is old, but i hope she's in remission now. wish you peace, love and good night sleeps.

[@christopherdacey5167]

I spent 7 years as a volunteer EMT in my local community hospital ER, usually working weekend nights on top of a full-time engineering job. It provided me with the most educational, rewarding and at times emotional experiences of my life. This TED talk encapsulates so well the many experiences that I shared with the ER staff, patients and their loved ones. This talk has motivated me to look into returning to that same ER as an volunteer EMT or even as a trauma tech on top of my full time job which I need to put a roof over my head and food on the table. This TED talk reminded my of what I am missing. Thank you Dr. Profeta. I would serve in the ER under you in a heartbeat.

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

This is the best example of storytelling there ever has been on Ted talks. From laughter to tears he runs the gammet of emotion. If anybody is not moved they must be emotionally already dead. Love this man and fantastic heart and soul.

[@abbykoop5363]

Wow. That was very powerful. I was in ER 10 days ago...broken foot from a horse accident. Not all doctors seem to care like this fellow though.

[@gorhamcj1]

I work in ER. I love it and this is so true. He did a great job portraying daily ER life.

[@christy49534c]

This made me bawl my eyes out. When he told the mom that Mikey died, it was a blow to my chest. My son Mikey died on June 10th 2019 during his heart surgery. They performed the WRONG surgery. No one told me in person. It was a minute and a half phone call. Mikey was just shy of turning 5 years old.

[@shereads1903]

♥️♥️♥️

[@annettecallow8204]

After having gone through the loss of my parents, had the loss of my sister, I can state with great certainty that the staff of the ERs are awesome. I used to work as a certified occupational therapy assistant and the rollercoaster ride with patients continues on the healing end of it.

[@melissamcafee9617]

As an ED tech and soon to be RN, this damn near brought me to my knees. Thank you for reigniting my love for emergency medicine. The ED is my sanctuary… there is no place more unapologetically real. You captured the experience of this field so perfectly. What a God send you are.

[@davepeavy]

touches on why I’m in love with working on a 911 ambulance in my community... ‘Into whatever houses I shall enter, I shall do so for the benefit of the sick...’

[@kathycoleman4648]

This is incredibly moving and stands as a firm reminder that regardless of what any of us come through the ER doors for, we have no clue what others around us are experiencing. Beautifully put together.

[@chrislewis723]

I used to be a hospital chaplain in a Level 1 and 2 trauma center. I don’t remember their names either. I thank God for that. Some stories haunt me. It’s good I don’t remember names.

[@k.s.3748]

Male Hospice nurse here, same.

[@bilgehanonogul660]

As an ER doc I felt every one of those stories!!!!!

[@quantumcrash7266]

I must've watched this at least 10 times. In 19 minutes, he gives a snapshot of the entire human experience we share at our cure. Beautiful. It's all there in the ER. I couldn't imagine a career that would be as difficult and rewarding as an ER caregiver.

[@angieperides7500]

I’m with you! I was an ER RN for 6 years and experienced every single one these patients scenarios. Im NP in an urgent care but not the same

[@kimfetter7505]

Anyone who has been blessed enough to have had you there, at this time is a truly a blessed person. Thank you for the care and profound impact you have.

[@mweinheim7911]

Kim Fetter I worked with him. He is truly an amazing human being. Central Indiana is blessed to have him

[@janedont63]

He just pulled off doing a great medical drama/one man show. I laughed, I cried...so great 🌟

[@andrewmoss8442]

It was rambling and incoherent.

[@MarksTournaments]

@@andrewmoss8442 no it wasn’t, it was amazing projection of emotion

[@rachanabananaful]

He got my respect at 'this is the greatest generation that ever lived'

[@andrewmoss8442]

I'm guessing you're part of the generation?

[@jennifere551]

Everyone kept mentioning the end of this video made them cry and I didn’t know why, then I listened to the end and I started crying in my school library wow he’s really a great man

[@dirtrockground4543]

Thanks doc. I work in the ER and it can be easy to lose sight of the bigger picture.

[@amandamayhue9057]

"An incredible mosaic of the human condition... It's magic" - that was profound

[@MrGarysugarman]

I don't like using this word, but that was perfect. Every inch perfect.

[@gsk5161]

That's what she said 🤣🤣

[@amelia5665]

I just wanted to listen to a ted talk while I cooked dinner. I didn't want to stand in my kitchen and cry today, but here we are.

[@Zellie50]

Our family has spent too many hours in the ER. This talk is so beautiful and true. Thank you Sir.

[@susanritchey1849]

My father was a doctor...he shared this man's passion for people & helping them in their journeys through life. This talk exemplifies the life of a doctor in so many ways. Thank you for your Ted talk. It was very moving.

[@sarahcoffeyjones5921]

Thank you. You are one of the dwindling few physicians with passion.

[@trpuffnstuff571]

Watching this ran me through every emotion. Ended with me in tears. Incredible

[@LilyOfTheTower]

That was beautifully heartbreaking. I have a deeper admiration for the people that work in the medical field now.

[@bibichloe]

ABSOLUTELY COOL, Dr Profeta, thank you so much! I wish there were more people like you, each one in their own field. But, definitely, the ER is NO joke in the first place. My partner is a teacher but she also completed a 3 years' nurse school in 2010, out of pure passion. In 2009, she served a 1 month term in a reputed ER and so I, too, came to know a lot of things for that matter. Boy, that's REALLY tough! She says that you'd ask yourself 10 times whether you want to embrace a medical career, and then another 20 times, whether you choose to specialize in ER and surgery!

[@elisabilauca2493]

Every time my bf went to the ER due to pain from stomach cancer x 2 and 10 abdominal surgeries he was judged. He has passed Sep 5, 2019 and to say that I’ve given up on healthcare is an understatement. He was always treated horribly because he had tattoos. He went to every hospital and ER in our area to get help and all everyone did was mask his health issues with pain meds rather than find a solution. If more tests were run he would still be alive at 36 years old.

[@francisphillips53]

Dr. Profeta.. ur awesome! I could really feel what your day in the ER. I hope you are teaching ur young students the same compassionate care you deliver..Thank you.❤❤

[@candyfaulkner1701]

Lewis, I am so proud to call you a friend for all these years. You continue to amaze me. Loving You

[@aaronhoard1248]

Great job Louis. An all encompassing presentation that deserves 20 minutes of everyones time.

[@onebzbzbee]

"That's someone's little girl, Sarah." Ughhhhhhh :'(

[@kathleentetterton8213]

Thank you for what you do. It’s truly amazing that with the every day routine problems and the frequent fliers you still can treat every pt. with respect and compassion. Thank you, you don’t find that to much now anywhere. I loved hearing this Tedtalk!

[@fawnstandifer8385]

I just started prerequisites for nursing and I’ve always wanted to work in the ER. Before watching this video, I didn’t think how hard of a job it might be. This was emotional for sure

[@joannemates6367]

I watch a lot of TED Talks and this is, by far, one of the greatest!! Absolutely BRILLIANT!!!! The world needs more Dr Profetas!!!!

[@richardlitwin4046]

Thank you Dr Profeta. Marvellous.

[@janetecarin4873]

Emergency rooms every where in the World is really a life passing through a moment that any human being can say is really a privilege to be alive and fight to be alive but most of all living thru that moment....

[@cn2746]

Dr Profeta: You sir, are the magic! Carol (10-2019) Phoenix Az

[@vwd3781]

I stand agog! That's open mouth. The best Ted talk ever. Will buy his book.

[@claudiayanirarojas1808]

Most rewarding career, thank you to all these incredible doctors 🙏🏻

[@rustang426w]

This was an amazing talk. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experiences.

[@anncoster7458]

Thank you for being a caring human being. You are awesome.

[@annmeeks9273]

As an “old” 73 year old ER nurse you put this out so well. Thank you for sharing how it feels every day,

[@iliveinthekingdomofpain7692]

BRAVO!!! Single best TedTalk ever. You, sir, are truly inspirational. I know one (1) MD, who is Cheif of Medicine for Pallative Care and Hospice, at a major university medical center. You are expressive. He is stoic. You both are the most empathetic, giving and selfless life MD’s that I have met. And, I have met far too many. 1) intractable pain 2) chronic pain 3) atypical neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung 4) Left Post Pneumectomy Syndrome, whereas, the mediastinum has shifted left into a 3-D space under my left arm pit AND the remaining grossly hyper inflated remaining lung has twisted twice around it A was a ‘robust, healthy male, 57 years old with a spit on the left lung, lower lobe, requiring resection’. 70 mo this of near unbearable suffering, multiple cardiac events, blah, blah, blah.... 27 physiological diagnoses 16 neurological / psychiatric diagnoses All of the DIAGNOSES were due to surgical error, iatrogenic treatment and malpractice. I fought them like no one they ever met before. I did not money. I did not want drugs. I wanted answers and relief. I got to the truth and they gave me relief. I persist and endure. Meeting you (virtually) made some of the pain worth enduring. Thank you... Live your work and enjoy your life away from it as well. I was an executive consultant, 57 years old, an Italian street kid from Chicago, with a father who was a capo, like his father before. I lived a different life and work simultaneously, so when cancer came to call, ‘I had only one regret that I was working on at the time. She married me with the disease. You Doc are a role model…take it to the stage. Inspire as many as you can! Mille grazie!

[@geraldinesera8915]

What a wonderful presentation. He cares... wish more would!

[@annec988]

I hope this doctor and other doctors who have all this experience are able to give this talk to newer doctors to show how much it matters, prepare them in some way for the range of emotions, and I hope they have someone to talk to that can keep them safe too and know that their lives matter too. When I was a student nurse I was very upset one day and I apologised to the ward sister and she showed me such compassion and said to me something I always remembered 'if we can't look after each other how can we look after anyone else.'

[@urvi4374]

This was incredible! Everyone needs to see this talk

[@SS-mc2ed]

I have worked in ER and it is exactly the way Dr. Profeta described. Amazing

[@mweinheim7911]

An outstanding ER physician!! Just found this. Thanks Dr P!!!

[@dotshare8818]

What a wonderful human being. We're so lucky to have you in the medical world.

[@JasonDrennen]

Wow I never realized what you er employee's go through. Thank you for your service. I don't know many that could handle that.

[@dorothyedge2747]

I lost it at his final patient, my mama. This doctor and his TED Talk is the best I have ever seen. 2019

[@seacruse]

One of the most touching Tedx Talk I have ever heard....thank you.

[@adaml4842]

Very heart touching!

[@jcdiaz2xm]

Im sure he’s not only a great Doctor, but also a great story teller. You had my all my attention while listening to your story. Thank you to all that work in the health care system, I appreciate everything you do for the rest of us.

[@jenjim1999]

Thank you so much for sharing a day in your life. I think it takes a very special kind of soul to become a professional in medicine. The things you see and do everyday well,bless you all.

[@amandagreig4152]

Well put Doc! Truly inspiring.

[@mtchd0rv9313]

an underrated video

[@youngjohn5076]

Very stressful job . It Takes a strong person to do it . Great video

[@yvettem8681]

I’m fairly new in the ED and this is right on point ! I love the ppl I work with including the doctors we all have to go thru some stuff only we can relate to. I love it

[@b.ellenlininger4866]

This is so well done. Thank you for your insight

[@abbymingus9160]

As a pre-med student who wants to pursue emergency medicine, thank you for this! :)

[@almosh3271]

I've never watched any you tube videos but once. In case of this video I've watched it three times and each time it gets better and better. It's right to the point, and well said. Bravo is all I can say doc.

[@rebekahbridges-tervydis5054]

What great and unique presentation.

[@muttiplay]

One of the best talks I've ever seen... not just TED talks

[@deborahkate1849]

I love you Dr. Louis Profeta.....

[@sunnya8]

I used to work in the ER. Best job I ever had but also the most intense. All the docs we had back then were so caring, just like this. Now I have to go there often as a (chronic illness) patient & get treated like sh*t a ton. ER doctors like this are now few & far between.

[@dorehoss5008]

What a heart warming man. Great Ted talk.

[@mrbreeze9116]

I owe it to the world and myself to follow in this man's footsteps

[@elenaezhova4657]

that is so powerful - thanks man

[@28samz]

I had never watched Ted Talk like this one. So raw and full of emotion. Very well thought out!

[@luke1035]

This was very powerful.

[@rubymeagher1005]

Best Ted Talk ever!

[@camilaazul]

Beautiful talk!

[@courtneyh9153]

This was awesome. Thank you!

[@eviesabo4871]

Great job. I bet you are a great doctor. I would feel comforted if you were taking care of me or my family.

[@deborahjansson8622]

Beautiful!!!

[@EthicsCommentary]

Dr. Profeta’s insight into his position as an emergency room physician reminds me of my days as an emergency room medical scribe and how many differing interactions I observed with every shift. In terms of medical ethics, the one principle that reigns in this context is justice. No matter who walked through the emergency room doors, whether a family of four walked in with rhinorrhea and cough symptoms or an elderly gentleman wheeled in by paramedics, the emergency room physicians, nurses, radiologists, respiratory technicians, and many other personnel were present and at the ready to care for these patients. Additionally, when I reflect on my time as a scribe, the medical ethics principle of beneficence was also upheld. While some of the patients were not always cooperative or appreciative of the care they were receiving, the emergency room personnel were always professional and did their best to be certain patients were comfortable and monitored closely. Physicians were efficient not only when taking a history, but also when ordering the appropriate tests. Dr. Profeta may have not been discussing medical ethics within the emergency room, but he certainly demonstrated how justice and beneficence are supported within that environment. Finally, what I appreciated most about Dr. Profeta’s discussion was his gentle reminder that physicians are human too and subsequently, physicians not only share similar experiences with their patients, but also express the same emotions as their patients.

[@cameronchappell8265]

I worked in the ER for several years before starting medical school. It was a hard job as a technician, and it appeared, to me, to be even harder as a physician. The buck stops at the doctor. It's their job to make the tough decisions, and to be tough on the difficult patients. Many patients aren't difficult out of choice, but out of illness. It can be hard to remember that all the time, especially when you have a person you're genuinely trying to help, relentlessly spouting awful things at you. Because of this, I saw many staff, from security personnel, to nurses, to the actual physicians, get burned out because of it. All that to say, I love hearing Dr. Profeta's point of view. He's found a way to keep the ultimate goal in his view: beneficence. Beneficence is more than "do no harm." It is the idea that we need to be actively view patients as people needing help, and looking to do what's best for them with that in mind. The entirety of this talk, he's demonstrating this. I wonder what we can do to help more providers keep that beneficence in the forefront of their minds, like Dr. Profeta? Personally, I think the first step is to ensure safe working conditions for all staff. In my experience, the most burned out staff were the ones covering more patients than was safe for them, or taking care of things that they weren't well trained for. I believe most medical providers got into the work for the love of medicine and people. Helping staff to have a safe environment with proper training will help a lot of them remember that, I think.

[@Dominishan]

Damn fine talk Dr. Profeta.

[@bekahdoug5572]

Now THAT, was great!! How incredibly creative that talk was!

[@janwalker8716]

Very powerful podcast and thank you for all you do 🙏💕🇦🇺

[@majellavito5784]

I worked in Los Angeles County USC Medical Center Trauma Center (1350). Dr Profeta just brought back many memories of the drama that happens daily in the ED. Thank you for the memories, the emotion, & the gratitude that I had the BEST job in the whole hospital: Trauma Nursing & MICN!

[@dianaqi4549]

Wow, this speech was powerful!!

[@kevinvanhorsing5141]

thanks doc blesses!

[@beautiful.life1396]

Wow! Love it!

[@gauravarora6318]

Outstanding Lou! Thank you.

[@jagk4459]

Thank you, Dr. Profeta. =)

[@teresacooper2724]

This lovely doctor is what doctors should aim to be like, but many fail. All I can say is if I need an emergency doctor can I come to you.