No matter which field they practice in, healthcare professionals inevitably have worked with someone who left a lasting impression. On Wednesday, the MGH Institute community heard from Audiology Professor King Chung, Genetic Counseling Associate Professor Allison Cirino, and Nursing Instructor Kathryn Kieran who shared their experiences with an unforgettable patient. 

The emotional stories of patients and their caregivers took place yesterday in 1CW, where the hourlong Schwartz Rounds event, “The Patient I'll Never Forget,” was attended by students, faculty, and staff. 

In partnership with the Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare, the rounds invite participants to step away from clinical and academic demands to consider the human experiences and connections that shape and influence their compassionate caregiving. Unlike traditional case reviews, the Schwartz Rounds provide a safe and supportive space to explore the emotional and relational dimensions of caregiving. 

“It felt completely different than when we get together to run cases,” said Kieran. “Here, there’s no judgment or analysis of your work — it’s about just sharing a difficult thing.”  

Chung, Cirino, and Kieran, shared personal stories illustrating moments of vulnerability, empathy, and resilience in patient care. After hearing the panelists’ experiences, audience members were encouraged to respond with their own reflections, with many expressing gratitude for the chance to pause and connect meaningfully with one another. 

For Emma Green, a second-year Doctor of Occupational Therapy student, the session was deeply personal. 

“It kind of reminded me of my grandpa and my family,” Green reflected. “Hearing these stories put me in the lens of a clinician — thinking about how much clinicians see, how they carry those experiences, and still choose to keep caring. That resilience really resonated with me.” 

Helen Cohen, a second-year Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology student, shared how the experience reaffirmed the importance of connection in her future career. 

“As healthcare professionals it is easy to insulate ourselves from our patients,” said Cohen. “We have a number of ways in which we can go through the motions of our work without stopping to get to know the people we are working with. With all the lives we touch, the weight of the things we see, it can be tempting to compartmentalize completely, but sharing stories with others during Schwartz Rounds reminded me how essential it is to take the time to connect and allow ourselves to be vulnerable in our work. Those small moments can often be the most important.” 

As the event concluded, participants were invited to complete a brief reflection and encouraged to attend future Schwartz Rounds sessions throughout the academic year. 

“Today, the theme of compassion really shone through, both in the stories that the panelists shared with us as well as the reflections of all of the participants,” said Rebecca Inzana, Assistant Professor of Interprofessional Education and Practice and event moderator. “At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about — how we are connecting, honoring our shared humanity, and supporting one another togrow as compassionate caregivers.”