Celebrating Humanism in Medicine: Honoring Dr. Susan Murphy
The Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) recognizes physicians who exemplify patient-centered care by modeling integrity, excellence, compassion, altruism, respect, and empathy in patient care. This year, UT Southwestern's chapter of GHHS inducted Susan Murphy, M.D., as one of four faculty members. Dr. Murphy is known not only for her clinical expertise but also for her selflessness toward patients, trainees, and colleagues.
Many of her patients are older and have chronic musculoskeletal conditions. She cares for them by taking time to listen, encourage, and support them through their medical journeys. She once shared during a faculty meeting that her dream is to treat the pain and suffering of all her patients.
Patients and their families have praised Dr. Murphy for listening to their concerns and troubleshooting pain and other impairments. One patient's wife tearfully stated that Dr. Murphy's kindness and medical acumen brought her hope that her husband would be able to return home safely despite his physical and cognitive disabilities. Another patient noted that while she was hospitalized and then undergoing inpatient rehabilitation, Dr. Murphy went to her house to feed her cat, as no one else was able to do so.
The family of a patient remembered when Dr. Murphy contacted a licensed prosthetist/orthotist to fabricate a 3D-printed orthosis to ensure the patient with cancer spent her final months in comfort. Many residents have joked that Dr. Murphy should purchase knee pads, as she spends most of her day kneeling by patients as they discuss their numerous medical issues.
Clinic staff jokingly complain that Dr. Murphy never turns patients away and always overbooks, but they smile when she explains why: “They have already suffered for so long.”
Many residents and colleagues, too, have benefited from Dr. Murphy's selflessness – and it's the small things that stand out. As Niran Vijayaraghavan, M.D., shared, “Her pastries at MSK clinic are always the height of our days ... She treats patients with such kindness, and her patients love her.”
That kindness carries into meaningful moments. Casey Salandra, M.D., recalls: “I went up to her in tears my first day, and she immediately comforted me and reassured me it wasn't a big deal ... It meant so much.” As Donald Kasitinon, M.D., reflects: “I have never met a more compassionate, kind-hearted physician ... She is truly selfless and builds deep relationships with patients and coworkers.”
Whether through homemade baked goods or acts of support, Dr. Murphy makes everyone around her feel cared for, and that's exactly what humanism in medicine looks like.