The Gift of Knowledge

Dear Readers,    Another Thanksgiving has come and gone, and Christmas is just around the corner. As we enter the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, rushing here and everywhere trying to get that perfect gift for everyone on our seemingly interminable lists, the question, “What is the perfect gift?” comes to mind.    In last year’s December column I pointed out how the first Christmas gifts, though majestic for a King, had additional benefits including wound healing.1 What could I give as the perfect, one size fits all gift that all would appreciate? The historical answer is the gift of my time and talents in providing something unique for each person to whom I give it.    How does this apply to those of us in the wound care field? What could we give? We already give our time and talents helping people with chronic wounds. We give this gift every day. What else is there? Thomas Marrel says, “The first great gift we can bestow on others is a good example.” How important is that! We as leaders in the wound care community must serve as good examples for both our patients and colleagues. We must demonstrate to everyone that the wound care community cares for all people with wounds. As professionals, we should work together to provide the best care for all. This means that regardless of the organization or group to which you belong, there should be no squabbling, bickering, or power struggles. Stop a moment and remember what it is that you are trying to accomplish. All of us are, or should be working for the benefit of the patient. It should not matter who is “first in line” to get the credit. If other medical and nonmedical groups see us fighting amongst ourselves, why should they listen to anything we have to say or offer to help any of us? Perhaps this Christmas season we should reassess our priorities for what we are trying to do. Who do we want to finish first—the patient or ourselves?    Knowledge is another obvious answer to the question of what we can give as wound care providers. Another question I often hear is, “What information do I have that would be beneficial to all?” You might be surprised. No matter how much or how little we think we know someone believes we are the authority in wound care. It may be someone in your department, hospital, city, state, country, or even the world. To someone you are the one to turn to when questions about proper wound care arise. My question to you is, “Are you prepared to meet that expectation?” I encourage you to study, read, learn, and work so that you can provide the best evidence based wound care information possible when asked to do so. You don’t have to quote clinical trials and books to be able to give good answers. Share what information and knowledge you have, then find other answers for the questions. Napoleon Hill said, “Start where you stand, work with whatever tools you have at your command, and the better tools will be found as you go along.”    When we give the gift of knowledge, it is called teaching. That may sound rather imposing, but one does not have to stand in front of thousands of people and give erudite lectures to be a teacher. Share your information with those around you on a one-on-one basis. Answer the questions of colleagues and associates. That is teaching at its best. Other opportunities will arise when you may be asked to share with small groups. Take advantage of those opportunities not only to educate others but also to help yourself. John Dana, librarian of Kean College in New Jersey says, “He who dares to teach must never cease to learn.” You will be amazed at how much you will learn as you share your knowledge with others. Your listeners will benefit from your effort. Not only will they become more educated, they will also see that what you are giving them is a valuable gift.    What gifts are on your holiday lists this year? I hope you will consider giving the gift of your time and knowledge by setting a good example for the wound care community and through teaching others about this fascinating specialty in which we live and work.    Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. 1. Treadwell TA. Historical wound healing with frankincense and myrrh. WOUNDS. 2007;19(12):A6.