--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We know the average American physician…" description: "\"We know the average American physician interrupts their patient in 14 seconds.\" — Abraham Verghese" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e97/abraham-verghese-1533_average_we-know-the-average-american-physician-i_1528354.png" --- # We know the average American physician interrupts their… ![“We know the average American physician interrupts their patient in 14 seconds.” quote by Abraham Verghese](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e97/abraham-verghese-1533_average_we-know-the-average-american-physician-i_1528354.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e97/abraham-verghese-1533_average_we-know-the-average-american-physician-i_1528354.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e97/abraham-verghese-1533_average_we-know-the-average-american-physician-i_1528354.png) > “We know the average American physician interrupts their patient in 14 seconds.” [Abraham Verghese](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-verghese/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Doctors often interrupt patients quickly, limiting effective communication and care quality **In simple terms:** Doctors interrupt patients early, harming communication Key Takeaway Allow patients to speak fully Themes communication medicine patient care Mood concerned analytical Type clinical educational When to use this quote - Clinical consultations - medical training - patient interviews Key Concepts Medical ethics clinical practice Questions to Reflect On - How can clinicians improve listening habits? - What systems support better patient dialogue? 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