Transactional vs Relational

I have cancer. One thing it has humbled upon me is the difference and value of relational versus transactional interactions.

You see, I am also transactional by nature.

For the first few years of my treatment I received care at the Veterans Administration (VA). Now I am receiving treatment in an immunotherapy trial at a renowned commercial facility.

For me, the VA was Relational. The commercial provider is Transactional.

Transactional

A team of experts tends to my case. They are exceptional. This is a machine; well oiled, efficient, competent, technical, thorough, precise, cordial, efficient, and effective. They are proficient, professional, and all very busy. Mine is one of their many cases. The material issue is the cancer and eradicating it matters most. I am along for the ride.

Nobody is my friend. Well, I can’t say nobody. One person is, my Case Manager. She is very young and non-medical, i.e. not a nurse or doctor.

I am a patient, a problem to be addressed. A person to whom medical care is to be provided. A matter to be tended to. A case to be studied, evaluated, and solved. It is all very quantifiable. It is, fortunately, very good care though. I get in, I get out. No frills. When I see a Doctor it is very concise, pretty much the facts. They review my…