Risk and patient safety strategist Lori Duffy shares her recent experience as a patient, plus meaningful ways we can all show more appreciation for the triumphs in our care.
Where would we be without physicians and their teams? They’re the backbone of healthcare, yet their challenges and successes often go unnoticed and underappreciated.
I've been on the risk and patient safety consulting side of relationships with physicians, administrators, and care teams for the past 35 years. When I’m on the other side of that relationship as a patient, I’m reminded just how much we all need their expertise, skill, and compassion—how lucky we are for the triumphs in our care.
I'm recently back to work after medical leave, having received a much-needed and excellent new hip. This experience has given me a renewed appreciation for the physicians and their teams who take care of us day in and day out, despite facing immense and mounting pressures.
The Invisible Challenges and Unseen Weight of Patient Care
It can be easy to take our healthcare for granted, until we need it of course. After all, we don’t see what’s happening behind the scenes, including:
- Physician and staff shortages. Have you tried to get an appointment with a primary care physician or specialist lately? There simply aren’t enough doctors and healthcare professionals to meet demand, leading to high patient loads and the complexities that come with them.
- Increased incivility. Physicians and their teams are experiencing more frequent episodes of verbal abuse, hostility, and even physical aggression. According to a recent NIOSH report, healthcare professionals account for 48% of the nonfatal injuries due to workplace violence, while only making up 10% of the total workforce.
- Administrative burdens. Battles with insurance companies on behalf of patients, regulatory hoops, and EHR demands all add strain to already overwhelmed physicians and their teams.
- Litigation stress. Being named as a defendant in a malpractice lawsuit is a high-stress and vulnerable experience for a physician, which can lead to reduced team morale and productivity.
4 Simple Ways to Show Appreciation for Our Healthcare Heroes
While we can’t fix these issues overnight, here are some ways I suggest that we, as patients, recognize and show appreciation for our healthcare heroes:
- Say thanks: A simple "thank you" in person or via written note, social media post, or online testimonial review can go a long way.
- Share thoughtful feedback: Participate in patient satisfaction surveys to help teams feel valued.
- Be patient and kind: Show respect and understanding, especially when issues arise, such as scheduling difficulties, insurance claim payment issues, or other unexpected outcomes.
- Support change: Advocate for policies that reduce administrative burdens and help protect physicians and their teams.
Giving Gratitude
My recent surgical experience, from preoperative communication and education through post-op physical therapy, couldn't have been better. Despite all the difficulties facing my orthopedist and team, they performed at an outstanding level.
To them and to every physician, administrator, and care team member pushing through the challenges and unseen weight of patient care, I say thank you. Your work matters, and I appreciate and honor you.
Curi Advisory Resources
I am proud to work for Curi, with decades of service to physicians and their organizations. In 2025, we're celebrating 50 years of enhancing the lives of those we serve. If you’re a physician or administrator:
- View our Litigation Education Hub, which has curated resources to clarify the litigation process. This multifaceted program includes videos, downloadable reference documents, and an exclusive video series with Dr. Gita Pensa.
- Access our free eBook, Surviving the Medical Practice Staffing Shortage.
Have questions about this topic? Call 800-328-5532 to speak with one of Curi Advisory's Consultants.
References:
Prioritizing our Healthcare Workers | CDC-NIOSH
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