-Prashasti Sharma
One of the greatest teachings during my externship in the United States was not based on lab values, imaging studies or diagnostic criteria, but rather my quiet observations of a seasoned clinician, Dr. Kodali, as she saw patients in the outpatient clinic.
As a medical graduate, I had studied in books, written exams and attended enough rounds in hospitals to feel like I knew what patient care meant—take a good history, do a comprehensive physical examination, formulate the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment. Now, sitting in that clinic after two years of these rigorous academic preparations, I was struck by the revelation that medicine is only half the science of patient care. The remainder, and perhaps most important part that makes a patient feel cared for, is the relationship we build with patients.
What impressed me most about Dr. Kodali was not merely her medical acumen but also the manner in which she walked into every consultation. Her gentle demeanour and presence were only matched by the timeliness of her discussions with her patients. At no time was she vulnerable to impatience and rushing—regardless of appointments or the number of patients she cared for. Dr. Kodali recognised that there was still much ahead of her and simply took time considering a patient’s holistic needs. She would approach each visit not immediately with lab results or medication lists, but with a small, thoughtful question not easily forgotten: “How are you doing today? Tell me everything.”* That short moment was sufficient to set the stage for the visit.
The patients would lean in, open up, and share all sorts of details about their lives beyond their medical conditions. For instance, one woman was there for diabetic management. Rather than starting with the blood sugar numbers and treating her condition, Dr. Kodali asked her about her family, her diet, and how she was doing with stress at work. Within a few minutes, it became clear that her issues with adherence were more than a lack of knowledge. Her issues with adherence were tied to her overwhelming responsibilities day to day. By allowing the time for a compassionate exchange, Dr Kodali was able to provide realistic, compassionate solutions rather than just a simple medication adjustment.
Then there was an older man who was stone-faced, sitting in front of me seemed anxious even before we started the consultation.
Dr. Kodali paused rather than hurriedly conducting the visit; she made eye contact and described each piece of the plan in simple, reassuring language. By the end of the visit, the man was visibly more relaxed, nodding in trust that simply had not been there earlier.
These moments really left a mark on me. As an IMG transitioning to the U.S. healthcare system, I was still learning about all the new regulations, electronic health records, and other structured systems requiring detailed patient notes. More than that, I realised the basis of medicine is the same in every country—empathy, respect, and communication. Dr. Kodali was a reminder to me why I went into medicine in the first place—not simply to treat illness, but to connect with others at a vulnerable time in their lives.
In the U.S., visits were usually much more regimented than I saw in India. In fact, I found it interesting that in that short time, compassion could shape the experience. It was not a matter of how long you spoke, but how well you listened.
To me, the takeaway from the outpatient clinic was this: patients remember how you made them feel, not necessarily the content of your words. A patient will forget the name of a medication, but they will not forget the doctor who listened, respected their concerns, and treated them like a person rather than a case. As I continue my journey, I carry this lesson with me. Medicine will always demand clinical accuracy and technical skills, but it also calls for humanity. Observing Dr. Kodali showed me that a physician’s greatest tool is not only the stethoscope, but also the ability to connect, comfort, and build trust.
And in the end, that human connection is what transforms good medicine into great healing. Communication is not just a tool in medicine but the very heart of it.