I’ve heard my grandparents say, “If you spend some time with certain doctors, half the disease will be gone.” They were the first to teach me the importance of good doctor-patient communication, and that when a doctor listens closely, it makes a huge difference. Years later, in my early days as a junior doctor, this lesson was driven home to me by one of my patients.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of a busy outpatient clinic, I encountered a patient who seemed guarded and hesitant. However, armed with the Calgary Cambridge method – a tool that emphasizes compassionate communication – I embarked on a journey to truly understand her. As we delved deeper into her story, the walls she had built around her vulnerabilities slowly crumbled, revealing a narrative intricately tied to her family dynamics. The symptoms she initially expressed were not her actual problem; rather, it was the complicated, broken family dynamics and the financial constraints. She sought a safe space to share these issues and also had anxiety regarding her health, which required an examination and reassurance.
This encounter served as a profound reminder that behind every patient is a unique human being, with their own life experiences, struggles and triumphs. It emphasized the importance of fostering a connection, built on trust and empathy, to uncover the underlying truths that may not be immediately apparent. In a world where health care can sometimes feel impersonal, this experience reminded me that every patient’s journey is unique, and as healthcare providers, we have a responsibility to approach them not just as cases, but as individuals deserving of our understanding, compassion, and care.
In the end, it’s not just about diagnosing and treating diseases; it’s about healing the whole person. This lesson has stayed with me throughout my medical career, a testament to the enduring power of the human connection in the practice of medicine.
Angelina Sony
Kanhagad, Kerala, India
