I feel listened to, and I don't always feel listened to

Yesterday I saw a new consult patient in the GI oncology clinic. The patient has a treatable GI cancer, but also had a history of a traumatic brain injury. I listened to the patient's cancer history intently and then asked "How did you get your brain injury?" The patient told me the story and I again listened, taking notes periodically. 

After I asked all my questions and did a physical exam, I told the patient what to expect next. I told him/her that I'd discuss his/her case with my attending, and that the two of us would come back to talk about a plan to treat this patient's cancer. 

Before leaving the room I asked, "Are there any other questions you have before I go get my attending?" The patient's eyes started to tear and he/she said, "I just want to thank you. I felt listened to today, and I don't always feel listened to." 

It was an acknowledgement of the many ways big and small that our health system falls short when dealing with a person who might have a cognitive impairment. That exchange was also a reminder that body language and sincere interest in the health of another person are fundamental to the therapeutic relationship between a patient and the doctor. I hope to never take that for granted.