What did you learn from your mother that influences your practice?

Rana Awdish, MD, Henry Ford Health Systems, Detroit, Michigan

You can’t un-sad anyone, but you can listen. And listening itself is a therapeutic act.

Kimberly Manning, MD, Emory University

My mom, a school teacher, is a master of interpersonal skills and seeing people. Got on a badge in a store? Mom will greet you and thank you by your name, and starts every interaction with an ice breaker or wellness inquiry. She was my hidden curriculum for humanism.

Leslie Ordal, Certified Genetics Counselor, University of Toronto

My mom went from medical marketing to teaching college courses on interpersonal communication in healthcare, so she had a lot to teach me! Like the importance of knowing your audience – speak their language and don’t alienate.

Also, hire other experts when you need them, and be honest about your own limitations – if you want the best, most impactful patient visual aids, pay for a graphic designer rather than DIY!

Eileen Barrett, MD, MPH, University of New Mexico

“Consider the source.” My mom would say that as an empathic statement when others spoke in ways that were hurtful, unhelpful, or seemingly irrelevant — it helped me understand the importance of spending more time with patience and kindness toward each other.

Elizabeth Gundersen, MD, Florida Atlantic University

My mother taught me curiosity. She never judged and always defended others by putting herself in their shoes: “maybe they had this happen to them and that’s why they do this…” Because of her, I ask my patients questions, listen, and try to see things from their point of view.

Stacia Dearmin, MD, Akron Children's Hospital

“Eat the fruit, spit out the pit.” My mother’s earthy way of encouraging me to enjoy & be nourished by the goodness that people or circumstances offer while releasing the painful or unkind elements which might accompany it.

Nadia Jajja, MBBS

Being kind, caring, and compassionate. She was always there for people in need.

Dana Corriel, MD, Pearl River, New York

My mother taught me the #beauty of being different, and to appreciate differences. She helped me develop #compassion by teaching me that. I now experience meaningful #connections with patients, by easily fitting myself into their shoes, metaphorically speaking.

David Kopasz, MD, Seattle Veterans Affairs and the University of Washington

My mom taught me to care for all living things – she was the go-to person in the neighborhood if someone found a frog with a broken leg, a one-eyed grackle, or a snake with a broken tail – and our house was always surrounded by flower gardens. @davidkopaczmd

Diana Anderson, MD, Center for Bioethics, Harvard University

My mom taught me to always send thank you notes or cards by hand, or phone people, which I still do! Nothing replaces the joy of receiving a handwritten note, or a call with someone’s voice saying hello and asking how you are. #moms #motherdaughter #lifelessons

Paul O'Rourke, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

My mom taught me the importance of kindness and compassion for all people. Her selfless love and support have made me the physician I am today. I’m a proud momma’s boy! :o)

C.B. Alan, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

My mom taught me to listen without judgement, stand up for those who can’t stand for themselves, and be kind. Oh, and that nurses ROCK!

Benjamin Bensadon, MD, University of Florida College of Medicine

What did I learn from my mother? Everything. She also introduced me to my grandmother. They are why I am who I am and why I do what I do.

Mays Ali, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

My mother taught me to dream big, take the road less traveled, and be kind to others always. As immigrants who didn’t have a lot, my parents worked hard to give me every opportunity they could. I’m grateful to them every day.

Mariah Robertson, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

My mother taught me that mental health days are a must. She would keep me home every so often not because I was sick, but because I was well, and we would hang out with one another doing the things we loved –  eating pizza and watching “Golden Girls” and “Matlock.”

Shannon Scott-Vernaglia, MD, MassGeneral

I learned about service to those most in need. My mom @CindyRScott has been a lay minister for as long as I can remember, serving the sick members of her church. She does this without fanfare and without seeking praise. She does it because they are the most in need.