Every patient is the protagonist in their own story. When we open our hearts to their narratives, we see ourselves reflected in them. We are invigorated to connect with the patients we are accompanying on their healing path, to bring forth our best selves. We heal, from our hearts to their hearts.

Emily S. Hagen and Sari Hart reflect on a patient who reminded them that human relationships are at the heart of the healing experience.

The essay read in this episode was published in the Teaching and Learning Moments column in the April 2026 issue of Academic Medicine. Read the essay at https://academic.oup.com/academicmedicine.