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Hello, my question is: After your time working in the healthcare field, what has been the most valuable lesson you have learned, and how has this lesson shaped and developed you into a better healthcare professional?
I'm a senior in Austin, Texas, who is going to be majoring in Nutrition and Public Health on the pre-med track at the University of Texas at Austin. I aspire to become a pediatric neonatologist and do medical mission trips in various underprivileged communities around the world. I hope to learn more about patient culture and care as I learn to relate to different people around the world through the lens of medicine and service.
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Christine’s Answer
It's important to understand that obstacles in healthcare aren't always the patient's fault. Our system creates many challenges that they need to overcome. Meet patients where they are—don't force them to come to you. Remember, every interaction counts. If just writing a prescription was enough, my work would have been done long ago. Everyone wants to feel valued, as Mary Kay Ash said, "Everyone has a sign around their neck that says, Make me feel important." Lead from your position—listen, work together, follow through, offer practical solutions, and stay mindful of people and business needs. Recognize that everyone on the healthcare team, including the client, is equally important, from check-in to the clinician. Without respect and teamwork, both the client and the practice will suffer. Healthcare is amazing. My professional and personal compassion remains strong despite challenges. I wish you great success on your journey.
Thank you for the in-depth response, Ms. Baker! I love everything you wrote, and I am grateful for your kind words and reflection.
Nene Grace
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Dr arfa’s Answer
All those years of serving as a physician and I have learned that it's not always the meds that patient requires to be cured. Most of the times while taking history , a doctor understands that there may not be any serious healthcare concern for the patient. But the fact that patient decided to put a hold to his routine and decided to visit you implies that whatever he's talking bout is bothering him and making him sick. So you gotta listen. EMPATHY CURES MORE PATIENTS THAN MEDICINES. validate their feelings, concerns and counsel if possible. While there may not be a medicine available in market to cure them but they'll always know there's a doctor available who cares.
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Kathy’s Answer
I worked in the healthcare field as a pharmacy technician for 13 years and believe continuing education is crucial. Education and experience help healthcare workers handle challengers and daily tasks. We need to adapt to changes, but without education, we won't progress.
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Nancy’s Answer
One of the best lessons I've learned as an Oncology Nurse is how crucial it is to truly listen to each patient and make them feel special, like they are your only focus. Sometimes, patients are overwhelmed by their health problems, and what they really need is to feel heard and understood. By repeating back what they've told you, you show them that you're really listening and that their words matter.
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Ben’s Answer
Hi there Nene Grace –
I think some of the other respondents have shared some great thoughts already, and I just wanted to offer mine as well.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned working in healthcare is the importance of earning a patient’s trust. No matter how knowledgeable or technically skilled you are, if a patient doesn’t feel safe and heard in your care, your ability to help them is significantly limited. Trust opens the door to honest conversations, better compliance with care plans, and more meaningful connections—especially in moments when patients are scared, vulnerable, or unsure.
Reminding myself to lead with empathy, humility, and consistency has become core to who I am. It’s not just about diagnosing and treating; it’s about showing up every day and being someone that your patients can count on. That mindset has made me a more effective and compassionate healthcare provider, and I hope it can do the same for you!
You have some amazingly ambitious goals, and I can't wait for you to achieve them! Good luck!
I think some of the other respondents have shared some great thoughts already, and I just wanted to offer mine as well.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned working in healthcare is the importance of earning a patient’s trust. No matter how knowledgeable or technically skilled you are, if a patient doesn’t feel safe and heard in your care, your ability to help them is significantly limited. Trust opens the door to honest conversations, better compliance with care plans, and more meaningful connections—especially in moments when patients are scared, vulnerable, or unsure.
Reminding myself to lead with empathy, humility, and consistency has become core to who I am. It’s not just about diagnosing and treating; it’s about showing up every day and being someone that your patients can count on. That mindset has made me a more effective and compassionate healthcare provider, and I hope it can do the same for you!
You have some amazingly ambitious goals, and I can't wait for you to achieve them! Good luck!