A Patient is Never Wrong About Their Body.

The Experience Vault | Flying House Media | Mia Herrick

Our Unique Experiences 

Collectively, no one person is exactly like another; we all come in different forms. As life has molded us, we each evolved into our own unique individuals. But is it what shapes us that makes us so unique? Is it our genetic makeup? The culture we were raised in? While all of these play a part, it ultimately comes down to our experiences. These lived experiences define who we are and determine how we navigate the world, including how we understand our own bodies. 

We can’t live inside another person’s experience. We can listen. We can observe. We can relate. But we cannot feel what they feel or know what their body is trying to tell them. Those lived experiences form us, shape us, and stay with us. That barrier becomes even more pronounced when something goes wrong. You can explain your symptoms until you’re blue in the face, but if no one listens, how can you ever be treated? According to an article published by Duke University, roughly 30 million Americans have experienced health concerns that do not lead to a diagnosis. 

When a patient comes in with a list of symptoms and has already sought help from medical professionals, it can be disheartening to hear that doctors are not sure what is wrong. This uncertainty often leads to more questions than answers. Doctors may spend hours with a patient, but the patient experiences the uncertainty every day. Appointment after appointment, test after test, and still no answers. Eventually, the patient starts to wonder if something is actually wrong—or if they’re simply not being heard. 

Consider one patient who came to a clinic after months of persistent fatigue and pain. Multiple doctors had dismissed her concerns. Only when a clinician truly listened and asked the right questions did they uncover a rare autoimmune condition. That patient finally received the treatment she needed—something that would not have been possible without being heard. 

The Shift of the Mindset 

On one of our sets, a doctor gathered the crew around between takes. We shared story after story, connecting with one another on a long day of filming. The stories ranged from medical breakthroughs to personal tales of life. Amidst the conversation, the doctor spoke about his practice with patients who have symptoms without a clear diagnosis. Then he said something that stopped us: “A patient is never wrong about their body” 

For something so simple, it shifted our perspective on patient testimonials. It is easy to assume or dismiss when you are not directly affected by an unknown diagnosis. Listening isn’t a courtesy—it’s a clinical skill. It’s the difference between a person feeling dismissed and a person feeling seen. Sometimes, that moment of being truly heard gives someone the courage to keep pursuing answers. Answers lead to a diagnosis. Diagnosis leads to treatment. And treatment eventually brings the patient closure on what is often a long and painful journey, something that would not be possible without just one person listening. 

Listening as a clinical skill requires more than hearing words. It involves observing body language, asking clarifying questions, and validating the patient’s experience. Research shows that patients who feel truly heard are 30% more likely to follow treatment plans and report higher satisfaction with their care. At Flying House, we approach every patient story with the same attention, ensuring that their voices are represented accurately and empathetically. 

Closure of the Journey 

This experience has reminded us as a team to listen deeply to every patient in our chair, ensuring they feel truly seen throughout their diagnosis journey and treatment. We approach every story with care, knowing that patients deserve our full attention—not because they are here for us, but because we are here for them. 

In a world full of noise and urgency, pausing to truly listen can transform a patient’s journey. It can change how we live our own lives when we realize just how quickly things can change.  How often do we take the time to hear what is left unspoken? How many stories go unheard simply because we didn’t pause long enough to listen? These are questions we carry with us in every project and every patient interaction, reminding us that every voice matters.