When most physicians think about their communication skills, they focus on explaining diagnoses and treatment plans. But a new article in Mayo Clinic Proceedings argues that the most powerful skill a doctor has is their ability to listen.
“Listening is the gateway to healing,” says Dr. Leonard L. Berry, lead author of the paper and a professor at Texas A&M University. “It’s how we connect, understand, and ultimately serve better.”
Dr. Berry and his colleagues argue that deep, values-driven listening isn't just a courtesy—it's a clinical tool with a measurable impact on patient care, physician well-being, and a healthcare organization’s culture.
A Human Breakthrough
To illustrate their point, the authors share a story about a nurse in a Norwegian nursing home who asked a patient what would make his day a good one. He replied that he wanted to wear a blue shirt—the one his late wife had loved. As he shared his memories with the nurse, he became more open and eventually asked for a wheelchair so he could share his stories with others. It was the first time he had asked to interact with anyone at the facility.
“That’s not a medical breakthrough,” says Dr. Berry. “It’s a human one.”
Six Ways to Become a Better Listener
The article outlines six strategies for making listening more intentional and effective:
- Be Present: Be physically in the room, focused, and free from distractions.
- Be Curious: Ask open-ended questions that encourage patients to share their full stories.
- Earn Trust: Create a safe, judgment-free space where patients feel their voices are heard and valued.
- Design for Listening: Use the physical environment to your advantage, such as arranging seating to encourage conversation.
- Empower Others: Seek input from patients and staff to improve care and workflows.
- Foster Resilience: Support clinicians through peer connection and reflection to help prevent burnout.
These approaches highlight that listening is an active practice that requires presence, humility, and follow-through.
Listening Beyond the Patient
The benefits of listening extend far beyond the doctor-patient relationship. It can also improve communication between colleagues and leaders.
Some health systems are already putting this into practice. At Henry Ford Health, doctors are piloting AI-based note-taking tools to free up time so they can listen more fully during visits. Other organizations have redesigned their spaces to be more conducive to personal conversations. For example, Hawaii Pacific Health’s “Getting Rid of Stupid Stuff” program empowered staff to identify wasteful processes, which saved nurses over 1,700 hours per month.
Ultimately, Dr. Berry and his co-authors argue that listening is a form of kindness that healthcare cannot afford to neglect. “Kindness is not a luxury in health care, it’s a necessity,” Dr. Berry says. “And true listening is one of its most powerful expressions.”
Source: Medical Economics | August 19 2025