Always ask about the bear.

I mean, sometimes it’s a dog, or a bee, or literally an elephant in the room. But usually it’s a stuffed bear. Whatever it is, it’s there for a reason. So ask about it.

Asking about the bear gives you a glimpse into your patient’s life, into their priorities, the things that matter most. Maybe it’s a grandchild’s favorite stuffed animal given to inspire courage and strength, maybe it’s an anchor to a distant memory. Maybe it’s what happens when a son, exhausted and hungry, wanders to the gift shop when everything’s quiet.

Whatever it is, there’s a story behind it. And it’s a story that could help you understand your patient better than any lab test ordered that morning.