The Art of Listening—A Path to Better Health Outcomes: Reflections from the LEAD Summit Panel | Kayla Nixon, MEd

During the recent LEAD (Leadership, Engagement, and Action in Diversity) Summit, I had the privilege of speaking on the panel, “The Role of the Patient Advocate,” alongside fellow survivor Shanda Foster, with moderation by Eloise Chapman-Davis, MD. As a uterine cancer survivor, patient advocate, public health communicator, I shared insights on the challenges patients face and how we all can work together to bridge the gap in provider-patient relationships. 

One of the most pressing themes I want to emphasize is the importance of listening for the provider and patient. Listening is the ability to accurately receive and interpret messages in the communication process, and the path to my own diagnosis of uterine cancer was fraught with obstacles that could have been mitigated through more engaged listening. Before being diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in 2017 and uterine cancer in 2019, my symptoms were initially dismissed. Through persistent self-advocacy, I was finally heard and taken seriously enough to receive the diagnosis and treatment I needed and deserved. Had my concerns been heard earlier, my path to diagnosis and treatment might have been significantly different, and I can’t help being reminded that this is the case for so many patients. 

The Essential Skill of Listening 

Listening is fundamental to patient-centered care, but let’s make it even more plain. Listening is fundamental to the overall human experience and hinges on strong focus and concentrated effort. It is a matter of engagement and thoughtfulness. So—how can both providers and patients become better listeners? 

For Patients: 

• You are the owner of your body and the expert on what goes on with it. You know better than anyone what feels good and what is conversely uncomfortable and painful. When something feels wrong, be as detailed as possible when describing symptoms to a healthcare provider. 

• Don’t count yourself out. If you feel unheard, seek a second professional opinion. Your voice matters, and persistence can be critical in receiving timely and accurate care. 

• Self-advocate responsibly. We have access to more information than ever before, but that doesn’t mean all information is accurate or helpful. Speak up for yourself, but work to be able to trust that your healthcare provider is your collaborator who wants to find the best solution for you. 

For Providers: 

• Approach each patient as an individual, not just a diagnosis. Patients want to be seen as whole people, not just a set of symptoms. Try observing who they are and asking questions that clue you in about their interests outside of a medical office.  

• Validate concerns, even when symptoms seem ambiguous. A simple “I hear you” or “Let’s explore this further” can make a world of difference in patient trust. Patients should not leave your office unseen, unheard, or feeling as though their concerns have not been prioritized.  

• Consider how treatment recommendations are communicated. When I was diagnosed with PCOS, birth control was presented as optional, without any emphasis on its potential to prevent future complications. This lack of clear communication contributed to my later challenges. The Literacy Project reports that the average American reads at a 7th to 8th-grade level, meaning information should be communicated as simple as possible and empowered with trustworthy resources they can reference beyond your office. 

A Holistic Approach to Patient-Centered Care 

Beyond listening, fostering trust and collaboration in medical care means embracing a holistic approach that centers the humanity of patients. During my time as a caregiver for my mother, I saw firsthand how creativity and resourcefulness played a role in advocacy. Late in her illness, when she could no longer speak, I created a booklet with pictures and symbols to help her communicate without expending the little energy she had. This experience reinforced to me that caregiving and patient advocacy require innovation and deep attentiveness to individual needs. 

Similarly, healthcare professionals must go beyond clinical interactions to show genuine interest in their patients’ lives. Simple gestures, such as asking about a patient’s support system or understanding their culture and lifestyle, can make a significant impact on trust and adherence to treatment plans. 

The Power of Representation and Community 

One of the most encouraging aspects of the LEAD Summit was the presence of so many diverse medical professionals in the room. Improving healthcare outcomes begins with intentionality and empathy, and fostering engagement between medical professionals and patient advocates can help bridge the communication gap. Moments like this present an incredible opportunity to listen to and learn from one another—a giant step toward creating a healthcare system that is more patient-centered, equitable, and ultimately, lifesaving. 

Kayla Nixon, MEd, is the Communications Manager at the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) and the Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC). A uterine cancer survivor, patient advocate, and public health champion, she is dedicated to patient education through meaningful communication and advocacy. In healthcare and beyond, she is a passionate community builder, creating spaces that foster connection, support, and empowerment.