When Your Patient Knows More About Their Disease Than You Do!

Picture this: You walk into a patient's room, introduce yourself as an RT student, and they immediately launch into a detailed explanation of their pulmonary hypertension, the three medications they're on, and why their current treatment plan isn't working.

Meanwhile, you're frantically trying to remember what pulmonary hypertension even IS.

Congratulations! You've just met the Expert Patient.

Don't Panic

First, breathe. This is actually a GOOD thing. Patients who understand their conditions are typically more engaged in their care. They ask better questions. They notice changes faster. They're partners, not just passengers. But yeah, it's intimidating when you're the student.

What NOT to Do:

• Fake knowledge you don't have

• Get defensive

• Shut down or stop asking questions

• Pretend you weren't listening

What TO Do:

Be honest. "You clearly know a lot about your condition. I'm still learning, so I really appreciate you sharing that with me." Patients usually respect honesty way more than BS.

Ask questions. Use their expertise! "What symptoms tell you when things are getting worse?" or "What's worked best for you in the past?" You'll learn AND build rapport.

Listen actively. These patients have lived experience that no textbook can teach. Take notes. They're giving you a masterclass.Verify information when needed. If they say something that contradicts what you learned, don't argue—just clarify later with your instructor or the chart.

The Reality Check

You're going to have patients who know more than you about specific conditions. That's okay. You're not supposed to know everything right now. You're learning. What matters is that you're humble, curious, and respectful. Those qualities will take you further than memorizing pulmonary disease.

Plus, in a few years? You'll BE that expert patient's RT who knows their stuff. But you'll always remember what it felt like to be the nervous student, and you'll be kind to the next one.