Sheraz Azhar: Don’t be Afraid to Let Your Patients Move You. It Means You’re Still Human

Sheraz Azhar, Medical Oncology SpR at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and Founder of OncsCare, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“A reflection I feel compelled to share:

Recently, I visited a patient of mine, a young mom with metastatic breast cancer. She has young kids waiting at home, and she is now in her final weeks of life.

During our ward round, she lay in bed and we stood by her side, talking as we have many times before. She greeted me and my consultant, as always, by name, with that same warm smile that could light up a corridor. She was still herself: affectionate, kind, and somehow radiating hope and grace despite fully knowing what lies ahead.

Something about her strength and acceptance broke through my usual professional armour that day. I broke down. I cried afterwards and I don’t feel ashamed to say so.

Moments like this remind me why our work is so deeply human. Medicine is not just treatments and protocols. It’s about the privilege of witnessing courage, love, and resilience at the rawest moments of life.

A few things I’m taking away from this experience:

• Sometimes our patients teach us more than we could ever offer in return.
• It is okay, necessary even – to feel. Compassion and vulnerability are not weaknesses; they are the heart of good care.
• Cherish the human connection before the diagnosis. Behind every scan and blood test is someone’s mom, dad, child, or friend.

To my colleagues and anyone who cares for others: don’t be afraid to let your patients move you. It means you’re still human.

To my patient: thank you for reminding me, once again, what really matters.”

Olubukola Ayodele, Consultant Medical Oncologist at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, shared this post on LinkedIn, adding:

“This deeply moving post from my current oncology registrar truly warms my heart.

The patient he is referring to is a remarkable lady whom I have been caring for close to four years. She was diagnosed with de novo metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer, which included brain metastases at the time of diagnosis—a situation that would shake anyone. Yet, she has remained one of the warmest and most gracious people I’ve ever encountered.

At the end of every clinic visit, regardless of the nature of our discussions or the news delivered, she always thanks me and gives me a hug. It’s truly humbling.

Yesterday, I ran into her family in the corridor as I was leaving the hospital. They know she only has a few weeks left, but they still stopped to express their gratitude—for the care, the time, the honesty, and the kindness.

That moment reminded me of how personal this work is. It’s not just about protocols, pathways, or the latest systemic therapy. It’s about trust, presence, and connection—especially when the outcome isn’t a cure.

I feel fortunate to work with an oncology trainee (Specialist Registrar) who understands this deeply. He brings empathy, respect, and gentleness to every consultation, and I am proud to mentor him.

In our department, we are often jokingly called the “softies” team, but I take that as a compliment. If being a softie means sitting with patients in their fear, listening when they’re angry, or remaining silent when words won’t suffice—then I will wear that label proudly.

For us, compassion is not optional; it’s an essential part of good care. It’s integral to effective oncology treatment. Let’s never lose sight of what truly matters to our patients: being seen, being heard, and being treated as people first.

As supervisors or mentors for the next generation of healthcare providers, we must encourage reflective practice, for it is only then that we can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”

More posts featuring Sheraz Azhar.