Director, Writers Workshop; Medical Director of the Yale New Haven Health Systems Long COVID Consultation Clinic, General Internal Medicine
Writer of Diagnosis: Solving the Most Baffling Medical Mysteries and Every Patient tell a Story: Medical Mysteries and the Art of Diagnosis
"Active listening isn’t just a technique; it’s a diagnostic tool, and it’s a reminder to myself that the patient’s experience matters. I still start every consultation with, ‘How can I help?’ then I just listen. Really listen. That’s how we build trust, and trust isn’t just a warm feeling—it’s part of how medicine works. Patients who trust you are more honest with you, and when they feel that connection, they’re more likely to be part of the solution, whether it’s sticking with a treatment or just feeling heard.
We might use improved technology and machines to assist patients better, but ultimately, I still need to see, touch, and understand my patients, beyond the screens. Medicine is hands-on, both figuratively and literally. And when I ask, ‘What’s going on?’ I’m asking about the person, not just their symptoms. That’s where the real medicine happens.”
