Doctor Quote by Leana S. Wen
“Doctors have limited time to listen to your story, but you must make sure they understand why you're there. Don't just say that you have chest pain - explain when it started, what you were doing, and how it felt. Write down key elements. Practice until you can tell it in 30 seconds or less.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Patient's Guide to Better Care, 2020
Effective communication with doctors requires concise, structured storytelling about symptoms and context.
In simple terms: Explain symptoms clearly and briefly.
Key Takeaway
Prepare a short, focused summary.
Themes
health communication
patient advocacy
clinical encounters
Mood
concerned
determined
Type
practical
instructional
When to use this quote
- doctor appointments
- telemedicine
- emergency visits
- routine check‑ups
Key Concepts
symptom description
storytelling
preparation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you ensure you remember key points?
- What details matter most to a clinician?
A Different Perspective
Patients may forget details under stress, reducing clarity.
