Narratives are unique to humans and are the foundation of culture. So, humanism means being curious about another person’s narrative to inform one’s interactions with them.

Humanism is treating every patient like one of my own family members and remembering to treat the patient’s perceived needs in addition to medical issues.

Humanism means setting aside the white coat and approaching healthcare from a viewpoint other than science and facts by placing an emphasis on compassion and respect for all members of the healthcare team.

Humanism is remembering that the clinical training we pursue, the research we undertake, and the learning we pass on, all have the shared ultimate goal of helping our patients.

To me, humanism within medicine is about being intentionally present, and meeting the needs of patients where they are, regardless of where they have been.