Absence of speech may yield rich dialogue

Medical student, Ryan D. Chow, practices “the art of deliberate listening.” In his article, “On the Absence of Sound” published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, he explains what happens when moments of quiet contemplation were spent in a patient’s room. In this case, not actively engaging in deep clinical conversation at the bedside empowered the patient to be heard. Stretches of silence became an invitation for a patient to express his wishes and to be heard; it was a blank canvas on which to communicate.

Patients and Providers United will continue to amplify the voices that seek to preserve the unique bond between patients and providers that yields all forms of rich dialogue.