I, as a physician, always try to listen to my patients. Sometimes patients come in with a concern and I specifically ask them what they expect of me that day. Sometimes it is not clear. I also always try to keep asking “Anything else?” until they say “No. That’s it.” Sometimes patient information is off base. If so, then I try to explain to the patient why it is off base. Sometimes a patient’s concerns are out of step with their problems (they are worried about wrinkles and I am worried about their chest pain).

As the patient advocate for my daughter, we have moved around a few times for her care. She had a problem with her feet 2 different sizes. Her oncologist said it was from her puberty. I took her to her pediatrician and he noted her legs were 2 different lengths. This was from her tumor. Now she is seeing ortho as well. If I hadn’t kept pushing then I would not have gotten her the correct help. I still see the oncologist for her cancer care, but not her legs. You have to keep pushing sometimes until things seem right.