05/16/2026
I recently realized that I have small rituals I use during my patient visits. For example, no matter what the visit was for: new patient, established patient, sick, well, etc., I always end with "Is there anything else I can do for you, today?"
A few months ago, I was shocked by the answer, and it led to one of the most meaningful patient interactions of my career.
My patient, who had recently been through a series of medical struggles, stood up, gathered her bag and jacket, and said, "Yes, actually. Will you have dinner with me?"
I was so surprised that I turned red. Then, I felt such an incredible feeling of honor that I was speechless.
Two weeks later, we sat at a little table in a local Italian place. We talked about medicine for ZERO minutes.
I learned how she met her husband, her career, family, and that she really likes burrata, and can spot a thinly sliced heirloom beet a mile away.
She let me talk about my kids, my empty-nesting, my daughter's upcoming wedding, and how I missed my son (perfectly fine, just busy and grown up) sometimes so much I couldn't breathe.
The minutes and hours flew by.
We are not doctors and patients, lawyers and clients, students and teachers. or baristas and coffee lovers. Underneath our white coats, suits, and ties, away from our smart boards and out of our aprons and name tags, we are all carrying joy, grief, love, fear, memories, and hope.
At the end of the day, we are all just humans, breathing in and out.
I find that tremendously comforting.
