Sometimes “all your tests are normal!” isn’t the good news we think it is.

The patient still has their symptoms. They might feel dismissed rather than relieved, depending on what is done next.

Sometimes the right test hasn’t been done yet. Or maybe the right test doesn’t even exist yet.

More often than expected, “I don’t know” followed by something like “but I’ll work to figure it out” is more reassuring than saying “I’m 100% sure it’s this/not this.”

Patients get that sometimes over confidence can be dangerous. (Of course being paralyzed by indecision is also undesirable!)

Making a mistake does not mean one is not a good physician (or person). All humans make mistakes.

What defines one is AFTER the inevitable- insight, recognition, reflection, learning, and work to do better next time.

Curiosity, foresight to impact the BEFORE.

Self compassion, humility, always.

Can I be added please?