"Every professional I have done the exercise with admitted that their ideal patient was inspired by someone they were close to in their personal life. It was usually a family member, a best friend, or themselves. The ones who carry the most unbearable sufferings-the kind that reminds us of ourselves and our loved ones most likely would become our “ideal patients.” After all, our compassion for others’ aches comes from understanding our own pain. We heal to be healed. Healing’s mutualism continues to amaze me every day. It’s a gesture of kindness and love that elevates both the giver and the receiver."

Tedi Zeng is an acupuncturist.

She shares her story and discusses her KevinMD article, "Who is the ideal patient?" (https://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2021/01/who-is-the-ideal-patient.html)