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Lessons in Compassion: My Interview with Sharla Sintyl




I recently had the privilege of interviewing Sharla Sintyl on the Medical Manners podcast. Her story is powerful—her son suffered severe burns in an accidental gasoline fire, and she walked the difficult road of recovery alongside him. Through her experiences, I gained valuable insights into patient care that I believe every healthcare provider should take to heart.


Here are four key takeaways from our conversation:


1. Look People in the Eye

One of the simplest yet most impactful ways to connect with someone is through eye contact. Sharla shared how meaningful it was when providers truly saw her son—not just as a patient but as a person. A warm, direct gaze instantly fosters connection and reassures patients that they are valued. The first thing we should do when we walk into a room is meet our patient’s eyes. It’s a small act with a big impact.


2. Appropriate Physical Contact Matters

Human touch, when used thoughtfully, is powerful. A reassuring hand on a shoulder or a gentle touch on the arm can communicate more care than words alone. Sharla emphasized how these small gestures helped her feel supported in her most vulnerable moments. As healthcare providers, we should be intentional about using physical contact in a way that conveys compassion and reassurance.


3. Patience is Everything

Sharla noticed that older, more experienced nurses sometimes lacked patience with her son. This was a wake-up call for me. I’ve seen hundreds—if not thousands—of patients with similar conditions, but for each patient, this is likely their first experience. It’s easy to become desensitized over time, but I never want to let that happen. Every patient deserves to be treated with kindness and patience, no matter how many times we’ve seen their condition before.


4. Manage Your Patients Up

One of the most inspiring parts of our conversation was the reminder to see our patients as their best selves. Instead of focusing on their limitations, we should highlight their strengths. Patients can feel when we believe in them, and that belief can make all the difference in their recovery. Refusing to see them as anything less than capable and strong can shift their entire outlook—and ours too.


Sharla’s story was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. I’d love for you to listen to our conversation and hear her wisdom firsthand. And after you do, let me know—what resonated with you the most? What will you take into your own practice?





 
 
 

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