Emilio Blair, MS4
In this first-person piece, fourth-year medical student Emilio Blair shares a poignant story from his family medicine rotation, caring for a patient grieving her sister’s death, turning a routine checkup into a memorable, emotional experience. The narrative has been edited and abridged for FIU Medicine.
The clinic room was quiet, the air laced with the familiar scent of hand sanitizer. Cold air crept out from the overhead vent and slipped through my scrubs, sharpening my focus but numbing my hands at the same time. I was a third-year medical student on my family medicine rotation. Sitting across from me was my first patient of the day, a woman in her 40s, here for her routine annual checkup.
I settled onto a stool, just below her eye level, and asked, “What brings you in today?” She appeared composed as she began, noting no pressing health concerns. Her voice was steady and measured, yet soft. Nothing was immediately concerning, yet her reserved demeanor hinted at something more. I continued the interview, piecing together her story: a single mother, working long hours, having left South America months earlier, struggling to adjust.
I recalled my own move from Mexico to the United States as an 8-year-old, seeing it reflected in her words. We exchanged small details about our experiences. I asked about her exercise habits. She replied, “Because of recent family events, I haven’t been able to exercise as much.” Her tone shift prompted me to ask, “If it’s not too difficult, could you tell me a little about that?” She paused, then shared her sister’s sudden death from cancer, her anguish, and barriers keeping her from being there.
Tears fell as she spoke of grief thousands of miles from home. I validated her struggle, opening a space for her to consider counseling. This routine visit transformed into a profound connection, teaching me the power of listening.