Pou and the O’Bryants

Five Days at Memorial

A long patient-doctor bond shows how trust in Pou survived the public controversy and became a source of emotional support.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Difficult Cancer Diagnosis

A Difficult Cancer Diagnosis Finding a Surgeon James O’Bryant sought care after a painful oral problem proved to be advanced cancer. Anna Pou became his surgeon and explained the risks and steps of treatment to him and his family. Trust Begins Pou’s attention to the family, including practical explanations and emotional reassurance, created a relationship that extended beyond the operating room. Her care became meaningful to the O’Bryants during an uncertain illness.

A Long Operation A Long Operation from "Five Days at Memorial". A Long Operation A Day in Surgery Pou performed an extensive operation to remove a tumor and reconstruct O’Bryant’s face.

A Long Operation from "Five Days at Memorial". A Long Operation A Day in Surgery Pou performed an extensive operation to remove a tumor and reconstruct O’Bryant’s face.

A Long Operation A Day in Surgery Pou performed an extensive operation to remove a tumor and reconstruct O’Bryant’s face. The procedure lasted more than twenty hours and demanded sustained technical concentration. Care Beyond Technique She kept the family informed and offered affection as well as medical expertise. The family remembered her as a physician who made them feel included and cared for.

The Return of Cancer The Return of Cancer from "Five Days at Memorial". The Return of Cancer A Complicated Operation O’Bryant’s cancer had grown back and invaded structures that prevented complete removal.

The Return of Cancer from "Five Days at Memorial". The Return of Cancer A Complicated Operation O’Bryant’s cancer had grown back and invaded structures that prevented complete removal.

The Return of Cancer A Complicated Operation O’Bryant’s cancer had grown back and invaded structures that prevented complete removal. Pou worked with Dan Nuss, and the operation ended with tumor remaining. Staying Present Even as the criminal case approached, Pou continued to check on O’Bryant and comfort Brenda. Her loyalty to a patient persisted while her own professional identity was under attack.

A Promise of Presence A Promise of Presence from "Five Days at Memorial". A Promise of Presence Care Continues Pou called Brenda during medical crises and insisted that she be kept informed.

A Promise of Presence from "Five Days at Memorial". A Promise of Presence Care Continues Pou called Brenda during medical crises and insisted that she be kept informed.

A Promise of Presence Care Continues Pou called Brenda during medical crises and insisted that she be kept informed. When O’Bryant suffered a dangerous bleed, she guided the family through the emergency and returned to operate. A Relationship Tested The O’Bryants believed Pou had cared for them with sincerity. Their trust did not answer the allegations at Memorial, but it shaped how they understood the doctor they knew.

The Final Reassurance The Final Reassurance from "Five Days at Memorial". The Final Reassurance A Visit at Home Pou made a detour to visit O’Bryant as hospice care began.

The Final Reassurance from "Five Days at Memorial". The Final Reassurance A Visit at Home Pou made a detour to visit O’Bryant as hospice care began.

The Final Reassurance A Visit at Home Pou made a detour to visit O’Bryant as hospice care began. He was gravely ill, but she climbed onto his bed and embraced him. Comfort in Two Directions Pou told him she would be all right, while Brenda hoped he would live long enough to hear the grand jury’s decision. Their bond became a reciprocal source of courage amid uncertainty.

Early 2005

2005, before Katrina

July 2006

After Pou’s arrest

2007, near the end of O’Bryant’s life