Student Perspective

Lisa Sanders’s Every Patient Tells a Story is a remarkable book that draws readers into the art of diagnosing a patient’s medical condition. Sanders outlines the approaches used by physicians in tackling difficult or rare cases and emphasizes the importance of listening to a patient’s full story, consulting colleagues as resources, and looking beyond technology in the search for answers.Each case is presented as it originally came to the physician, and readers are invited to step into the doctor’s mind as they work through the possibilities. We are reminded that diagnosis is not simply about test results, but about careful observation, reasoning, and patient narratives. Sanders challenges us to put on our detective hats, look past modern diagnostic tools when needed, and uncover the truths hidden in each patient’s story.

Central to this process is communication-listening to the patient for vital clues, engaging colleagues to share insights, and explaining findings back to the patient in a way that connects their story with the broader body of medical knowledge. Too often, this communication is hindered by the time constraints of appointments or by a lack of rapport between patient and provider, which can make patients hesitant to share their full story. Sanders addresses these barriers and underscores the studies that validate the value of communication in effective diagnosis.

This book is not only for medical professionals but also for patients who tirelessly seek answers and for anyone fascinated by the art and challenge of diagnosis. Sanders, herself a physician, demonstrates empathy and insight as she tells these real-life cases. Readers can expect to be entertained, moved, and intellectually engaged by this compelling and thought-provoking read.

Expert Perspective

As a practicing surgeon, I found Lisa Sanders’ Every Patient Tells a Story both refreshing and humbling. In surgery, we often focus on the tangible-the anatomy we can see, the pathology we can remove, the outcomes we can measure. Yet Sanders reminds us that every patient encounter begins long before the operating room, with a story.