“Doctor Phillips, can you do a cut down on this baby, we can’t start an IV?”, the nurse urgently beckoned me. Being the only doctor on the team with surgical training, I was asked to perform the procedure to gain intravenous access. The 12-pound, three-month-old septic infant had rapidly become severely dehydrated from diarrhea and was near death. 

I immediately had an overwhelming feeling of inadequacy. The infant needed fluids, and the only appropriate treatment was to place a catheter into a large vessel near her heart. I had performed central line placements in adults but never in such a small patient. In my mind I frantically debated the risks. I could puncture the lung, yet if I didn’t try she would certainly die within minutes. I remember praying for God’s guidance and acted in faith. 
As I prepared to push the needle into her chest, the din of the room lulled and I heard the murmurings of prayers offered by those watching. The vein was entered and the IV started. Soon the infant began crying, nursing and ultimately made a full recovery.

In retrospect, it became quite evident that God had called me halfway around the world to touch, heal and save this small and precious life. Through His providence our two worlds met. I may never know what God’s plan for her life may be, but I know those who witnessed His intervention will never forget the miraculous moment when she opened her glazed eyes and began to cry.

A song by Audio Adrenaline, the lyrics of which, aptly describe my experience are as follows:

I want to be your hands
I want to be your feet
I’ll go where you send me
I’ll go where you send me
And I try, yeah I try
To touch the world like
You touched my life
And I find my way
To be your hands.

Albert J. Phillips, M.D.
La Cañada, California