Why me? I don't consider myself an especially empathetic person. In fact, if my Mother were reading this she might laugh at the thought. It's not that I don't care about people - I care deeply. However, I am extremely honest, sometimes to a fault, and that has gotten me into trouble from time to time. But now, now that is a huge asset. I can look my patients in the eye and tell them the truth - about me, about others, about themselves. And they open up. They let years of guilt and sadness and frustration out. They cry. They say things like, "I've never told anyone else about this. I feel very comfortable with you." It's extremely humbling and I cherish it.

Doctors often say, "Don't waste your time; patients never listen." I want to say, "Maybe it's you who isn't listening." People need to be heard. They need the time to find the words and courage to open up and have a discussion. I teach my patients by listening to them. I try to find where they are and join them on their path. Sometimes I suggest a new direction, but always with them by my side.

What will happen to me after I've been doing this for 10 years? I can only pray that G-d will give me the strength to keep on walking with my patients, because the journey is really amazing.