1/25/26

Sometimes the most important thing we can do as providers is shut up and listen. It is important for all providers to gather oneself first, be mindful and open your ears, not just your mouth. Patients don’t come in as blank slates or checklists. They come in as individuals, shaped by their bodies, their experiences, their stress, and their day. No two visits are ever exactly the same, even for the same person. In healthcare, it’s easy to fall into scripts, to repeat the same explanations, the same education, the same plan for every patient. While structure has value, it can also create distance if we stop truly hearing the person in front of us.

Some days, patients want to understand what’s happening and why.
Some days, they just want to feel better.
Almost never do they want to feel lectured.

The patient knows their body better than anyone else. Our role as doctors isn’t to override that, but to listen, respect where they are in that moment, and collaborate on what makes the most sense, that day and moving forward. Empathy and communication aren’t “soft skills.” They’re clinical skills. When we listen well, we build trust. When we respect the patient’s experience, outcomes improve. And when we meet people where they are, care becomes more human and more effective. Sometimes the best medicine starts with listening.

Dr. Armen

Feeling unheard in your care?

If this resonates, you’re not alone. Feeling listened to is an important part of healing. If you ever want a space where your experience matters, we’re here to help.