Q _ As a teen, you suffered through a debilitating “invisible” illness that eluded diagnosis for months. What is the most validating thing a doctor can do for a patient in that situation?
_Three simple words, “I believe you.” As Sir William Osler, the 19th century father of modern medicine, would say, “Listen to the patient and he will tell you what the disease is.” Know what the patient’s goals are. Why do they want to get better? To visit their grandchildren? To pursue grad school? To take surf
