Asking Quote by Bernie Siegel
“There is survival behavior, and doctors need to learn from patients who do not die when they are supposed to, instead of saying, 'You're doing very well, so keep doing whatever you are doing.' They should be asking what their patient is doing and pass the information to other patients.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Healing Power of Stories, 2010
Doctors should learn from patients who defy expectations, focusing on patient agency and sharing successful strategies rather than offering generic praise.
In simple terms: Learn from resilient patients and share their tactics.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize patient‑driven learning and communication.
Themes
medicine
patient empowerment
learning
innovation
Mood
hopeful
inquisitive
pragmatic
Type
clinical
motivational
When to use this quote
- clinical practice
- patient support groups
- medical education
- health policy
- research design
Key Concepts
patient‑centered care
resilience
knowledge sharing
Questions to Reflect On
- How can doctors systematically capture patient insights?
- What obstacles limit sharing of successful patient strategies?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook systemic barriers that prevent patients from succeeding.
