I sat in the exam room today, answering questions like I was in some kind of medical interrogation. The only thing missing was the bright light and a one-way mirror. The new nurse asked me a question, and knowing the routine by now (I see doctors multiple times a week), I not only answered it but anticipated the next few as well. Efficiency, right? Apparently not. Because in the most patronizing tone I’ve heard in a while, he responded with a dismissive “Un-huh”—and proceeded to ask me the same questions I had just answered.
And if that wasn’t frustrating enough, after I repeated myself, he still had the audacity to request the exact explanation I had just given. By the time my (very wonderful) doctor (whom I adore) came in a full thirty minutes later, he had not been told anything I had said and had to ask me to repeat myself, yet again.
To make matters worse, part of the reason I was being seen was to check into my shaking, which is believed to be caused by medications I’m taking. Instead of reading notes or actually listening to me, the nurse (very incorrectly) assumed that I was shaking because I was afraid to see my doctor! Seriously?! I understand that nurses don’t always have time to study every chart in depth, but at the very least, some common sense and active listening would go a long way.
Why This Happens in Healthcare
There are plenty of reasons why some healthcare professionals come off as dismissive. Some are overwhelmed, burnt out, or just running through their mental checklist without actually absorbing what’s being said. Others may rely too much on pre-set forms rather than real conversations. But here’s the thing: none of these are acceptable excuses.
Patients deserve to be heard, respected, and treated like individuals, not just another checkmark on a clipboard.
The Emotional & Medical Impact of Not Being Heard
Feeling dismissed in a medical setting (like I did this morning) is more than just an inconvenience—it can be dangerous. When providers aren’t listening:
- Misdiagnoses happen. Important details get lost in translation.
- Patients lose trust. When you feel ignored, you’re less likely to be open about symptoms or concerns.
- Treatment delays occur. If you’re not being taken seriously, you might not receive the proper care in a timely manner.
No one should have to fight to be heard in a place where they’re supposed to feel safe and cared for.
How to Ensure You’re Heard in a Doctor’s Office
If you’ve ever been in a situation like mine—where you know your words are going in one ear and out the other—here’s how to take back control:
✅ Come Prepared: Write down concerns beforehand so you don’t forget key points.
✅ Repeat With Authority: If someone isn’t listening, don’t be afraid to call it out. Example: “I just explained that, but let me go over it again in case you missed something.”
✅ Ask Clarifying Questions: Flip the script and ask, “Can you repeat back what I just said to ensure I was clear?”
✅ Bring an Advocate: If possible, bring a friend or family member who can reinforce what you’re saying.
✅ Request Direct Notes to the Doctor: Make sure your concerns are properly documented so they don’t get lost before the doctor even enters the room.
✅ Speak Up: If you feel dismissed, address it with your doctor directly. “I answered that question earlier, but I don’t think it was passed along. Here’s what I said.”
You Deserve to Be Heard
If you’ve ever experienced the patronizing “Un-huh” treatment, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: your health matters. You have every right to demand proper care, clear communication, and basic human respect in a medical setting.
The next time a healthcare professional isn’t listening, don’t shrink yourself to fit their indifference. Speak up, stand firm, and remember—your voice matters.
Have you ever had a similar experience? Drop a comment and let’s talk about it. Because being heard in healthcare shouldn’t be a luxury—it should be the standard.
#PatientAdvocacy #BeHeard #SpeakUpForYourself #MedicalExperiences #HealthcareMatters #Voguegenics #NoMoreJust #MindsetShift #SelfAdvocacy #WellnessJourney
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