Practicing Patients: The Power of Curiosity in Healing

By Tina Runyan, PhD, ABPP
Tend Health Co-Founder

No one who has gone through medical training can escape the influence of Sir William Osler, the Canadian-born physician who revolutionized medical education. Osler was adamant that becoming a truly great physician (and this applies to all healthcare professionals) requires more than just the acquisition of knowledge. He demonstrated that only through direct experience with patients will one develop the practical skills and empathy essential for healing. As a psychologist, I deeply resonate with his holistic view of the person, particularly his insight into how psychological and emotional factors can either complicate illness or promote health. One of Osler’s most famous quotes captures this philosophy perfectly:

“There are only two kinds of doctors: those who practice medicine, and those who practice patients.”

You read that correctly—patients, not patience (though, admittedly, both would be apt here)! At the heart of Osler’s observation is the idea that medicine is not just about treating symptoms or diseases but about understanding the lived experiences of patients. Those who “practice patients” engage deeply in the relationship which Osler believed to be an essential part of healing. He was an early advocate for what is now supported by good evidence, that when patients feel heard, validated, and cared for, their outcomes improve.

Practicing patients requires more than just patience—it demands curiosity. To truly care for the whole person, we must be curious about every facet of their experience, from their physical symptoms to their emotional and psychological states. Curiosity is not just a tool; it can also reignite and nourish the deeper meaning in our clinical work.

Unfortunately, the relentless pace and mounting expectations in healthcare today often erode this curiosity, often in subtle ways at first. Over time, the drive for efficiency—whether it’s hitting patient quotas, finishing documentation before clocking out, or adhering to unrealistic scheduling—can directly conflict with the mindset of curiosity. As humans, we tend to gravitate toward behaviors that yield the greatest immediate rewards. Yet, if we take a moment to reflect inwardly, we may find that there is profound reinforcement in the act of practicing curious, clinical care. Not only does it lead to better patient outcomes, but it also enhances the meaning and fulfillment we derive from our work.

At Tend Health, we believe that curiosity is a catalyst for both healing and meaning in medicine. Join us for one of our upcoming webinars to learn more about how fostering curiosity can transform your practice, reignite the deeper purpose behind your clinical work, and how you can pay it forward as an educator!

 

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About Tend Health

At Tend Health, our mission is to ensure all healthcare professionals have access to exceptional mental health care. We partner with organizations and training programs to provide low-friction, human-centered, and highly specialized support. Our doctoral-level clinicians also provide private one-on-one counseling and coaching for health professionals. Get in touch today to learn more.