Tag: patient story

Sudharshini Prasanna (1 Posts)

Pre-Medical Student Writer

University of Houston


Sudharshini Prasanna is an undergraduate student at the University of Houston in Houston, Texas, Class of 2026. When she is not baking and eating all of her cookies with her dog Mowgli, she spends her time penning experiences into creative stories both real and fantastical. She carefully weaves a unique message in each of her stories in hopes that it reaches a diverse audience. Sudharshini aspires to pursue a career in orthopedics.




Navigating Cultural Sensitivities and Trust in Healthcare: A Personal Encounter in Family Medicine

Skepticism of healthcare is widespread throughout some of these communities — rightly so due to historical mistreatment, discrimination and lack of representation along with cultural differences. This distrust may be further strengthened by a patient’s own personal experiences. I respected this wariness, but I had yet to witness it firsthand.

Silent Wounds

I realized that in my approach, she saw echoes of her abuser and an imbalance of power. I made sure to sit down in the chair next to her, eye level, to show her I was here to listen. No longer did I need my stethoscope. I had my most powerful tool of all, my listening skills.

More Than Skin Deep

As a future physician, this experience reminded me to remain empathetic, compassionate and unbiased in all aspects of patient care. By doing so, I can not only improve trust and connection with my patients but also ensure that my clinical judgment remains clear.

John Weng John Weng (1 Posts)

Contributing Writer

Florida State University College of Medicine


John is a fourth-year medical student at Florida State University College of Medicine in Tallahassee, Florida, Class of 2024. In 2018, he graduated from University of Central Florida with a Bachelors of Science in biology. He enjoys weight-training, playing video games and trying new foods in his free time. After graduating medical school, John aims to pursue a career in internal medicine.