title: [Of calabash gourds and other patient histories].
abstract: In the culture of primal peoples, the dumbbell-shaped bottle gourd or calabash is a symbol for the universe, two equal halves inextricably linked. They represent heaven and earth, Yin and Yang--balance and harmony. This essay reflects personal memories, where case histories, patient stories and a doctor's story are intertwined.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Nephrologie und Hypertonie, Universitätsspital Bern, Bern. uyen.huynh-do@insel.ch
authors.forename: Uyen
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Huynh-Do
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D004630:Emergencies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010819:Physician's Role / Q000523:psychology*; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D013561:Symbolism