Avijit, India

I don’t have personal experiences, but I can share a meaningful story based on real-world scenarios that reflect the impact of empathy and compassion in patient care.

The Patient Who Taught Me the Power of Listening

In a busy oncology ward, a middle-aged woman named Meera was undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer. She had just undergone surgery and was starting on Olaparib as maintenance therapy. Despite the medical team’s best efforts, she remained withdrawn and unresponsive during rounds.

One day, instead of discussing her treatment plan right away, her doctor, Dr. Ahuja, simply sat beside her and asked, "How are you feeling today?" Expecting the usual nod, he was surprised when she whispered, "Tired… not just physically, but of fighting alone."

This moment changed everything. Instead of focusing only on her disease, Dr. Ahuja started addressing her emotional well-being. He connected her with a support group, involved a counselor, and encouraged her to express her fears. Over time, she became more engaged in her treatment, showing remarkable resilience.

Lesson in Empathy & Compassion

This encounter reshaped Dr. Ahuja’s approach to care. He realized that medicine isn’t just about prescribing the right drug—it’s about understanding the person behind the illness. Meera didn’t need just Olaparib; she needed someone to hear her, acknowledge her struggle, and remind her she wasn’t alone.

Empathy isn’t just about feeling for the patient—it’s about taking action to make them feel seen, heard, and valued. This experience reinforced that true healing happens when medical care and human connection go hand in hand.