The Doctor Is Listening

How patients can advocate for better care

by Leana Wen, M.D.

Should You Be a "Patient" or "Healthcare Consumer"?

While changing the terminology of "patient" to "healthcare consumer" might be tempting, it comes with certain dangers. A patient has the right to healthcare, but a healthcare consumer buys what he can. Read More

12 Ways to Stay Safe in Hospitals

My last two articles addressed how medical errors affect one in three hospitalized patients, and the 10 types of errors that happen. Now, find out what you can to prevent medical error and to be safe and well during your hospital stay. Read More

10 Medical Errors That Can Kill You in the Hospital

Hospitals can be dangerous places. Here are the 10 medical errors that can kill you in the hospital. Read More

How Hospitals Can Kill Us

What kills more people than car accidents, diabetes, and pneumonia? What can save us, but also kill us? The answer: hospitals. Despite advances in science and medicine, hospitals are dangerous places. Read on to see how this affects you, and what you can do to stay safe. Read More

Preserving the Humanity of Patients and Physicians

Staying attuned to patients and their stories will improve diagnosis, enhance patient care, and preserve the humanity of patients and providers. Read More

4 Lessons From the Mother of a Chronically Ill Child

How a mother of a chronically ill child became a patient advocate--and the 4 lessons she wants to share with doctors, nurses, and health providers. Read More

6 Lessons We Can Learn From Eastern Chinese Medicine

A Harvard emergency physician visits China and is astounded by what she learns about Eastern medicine--and the lessons it has for patient care in the U.S. Read More

10 Things Not to Forget When You Next See Your Doctor

While you can't always predict when you'll need to go to the doctor, you usually have some warning. Make sure to bring the following 10 items with you to every doctor's visit; it could just save your life. Read More

5 Steps to Forming a True Partnership With Your Doctor

You may be dissatisfied and frustrated by the way your medical care is today, but there is a way to make it better. Here are 5 steps to establishing a partnership with your doctor and transforming your health. Read More

Physician, Seek Help

Doctors-in-training display unnecessary bravado, at great expense. What I did when my mother passed away during my training--and what I wish I could do differently now. Read More

The Forgotten First Step to Shared Decision-Making

Shared decision-making is not just about figuring out your treatment: it begins with getting to your diagnosis. Read More

From Doctor-Centered to Patient-Centered Care

As a medical student, the mystique of medicine was appealing. It all changed one day when my mother became a patient, and I saw not only how difficult it is to navigate the healthcare system, but also how scary and unwelcoming the hospital can be. Read More

5 Medical Truths Your Doctor Wants You to Know

Today's healthcare consumer is constantly barraged with conflicting information. Here are 5 medical truths that your doctor wants you to know. Read More