Although Michael Jackson had some quirky characteristics and questionable behavior we dont understand, he was so so loved by many. There is practically nothing really he could have done to destroy the adoration of those around him. In my opinion he was one of the very most talented and magnificent entertainers there ever was. A few years older than me, I grew up with him. I loved him and admired him, while at the same time feeling such compassion for the childhood of hard work and trauma he endured. His death hurt.
The trial of Conrad Murray was riveting. I felt sadness as well as anger for the way in which Michael was exposed and humiliated in the trial process. Trials always seem to be like a second death for some. But... it was a needed process and now has resulted in the verdict of guilty for Mr Murray. I am glad. I felt a bitter-sweet sense of satisfaction when the verdict was read. Michael is still dead, and a doctor who I believe in the beginning and possibly still does, love Michael as well, has now had his life destroyed due to his reckless actions and mistakes. Throughout the trial I was taken aback by all the irrelevant information that was scattered about. To me, it was plain and very simple.
When I was in nursing school, my main instructor, Mrs. Cartieri, taught something in the very beginning that has always stuck with me. She taught "accountability." This was perhaps the most important thing in all the medical, physiological, and psychological learning. As someone practicing medicine and working in healthcare, one MUST always be ACCOUNTABLE. Whether you are doing your work in front of others, or all alone with just you and your patient, you must always remain accountable for your actions. This means not allowing friendship, love, money, laziness, personal gain or WHATEVER, come before the honest treatment of your patient. You are taught and know what is correct, and must follow through with it no matter what else prevails. You need to be able to do what is ethical and required, and know when you go to bed each night that you did so. If anyone should ever question or examine your actions, nothing is hidden from view. Its basically a way of saying... "my conscience is clear." You are following what is correct medically, doing your job honestly and with integrity, and keeping concise records as required. Being accountable for your actions protects both caregiver and patient.
Dr. Murray allowed friendship and money to dictate his treatment of Michael. Michael wants and therefor he gets. No records were kept, and nothing was done in accordance with medical standards. Michael trusted his life to this man. We all in essence trust our lives or the lives of our loved ones, to doctors, nurses and medical personnel. Dr. Murray was not accountable for his actions in any way. What took place was simply gross negligence, from the absence of record keeping, to the unheard of use of the drug involved, the lack of safety measures, and the delay in obtaining emergency assistance. It is extremely clear-cut. It matters none if Michael was an addict, or even if he self-administered medication even... an ethical, accountable doctor would never have had it out and not locked up. With all the facts present, my heart grieves for Michael and his family... why did this very modest man's naked body have to be shown to the world, or his drug-induced ramblings need to be played?
There is another lesson for all of us in this... one that's been missed. In the world today, we need to be in charge of our own medical care. We need to ask questions, be sure procedures are being followed correctly, second opinions are sought, credentials are good, records are being kept. We need to have one trusted person follow things with us to be sure all's done right. I realize Michael probably didn't want one of his brothers or sisters closely involved with his medical care, but the fact remains that HAD they been, Michael would almost undoubtedly still be alive...
R.I.P. Michael
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