I can’t cite a randomized controlled trial to validate the impact of these handwritten notes. But I can point to common sense to support the value of personalization and empathy in healing. And in an era of digital overload, the analog gesture of writing something by hand stands out—it signals presence.
In my practice, these notes have become a modern echo of an older era, where medicine was less automated and more embodied.
The physician-patient relationship is one of the most sacred in society. Each visit is an opportunity not just to diagnose or prescribe, but to connect.
A handwritten note may seem like a small gesture, but sometimes, it’s the smallest things that help heal the most.
Dr. Ahmadizadeh is an otolaryngologist and assistant professor in the department of otolaryngology at Northwell Health in New Hyde Park, N.Y.
Dear Dr. Ahmadizadeh,
Read your article, first of all many thanks for sharing .
How true you mentioned about a touch of trust , personal , and feelings you give your patients in what you briefly explained.
Since I have known your Father Dr. M. Ahmadizadeh Senior, who is also an ENT , he used to write a very brief history of patient in the back of prescription , with such a very fine writing , and insisted to bring along the prescription on next visit.
I really prefer this rather to this (EMR).
Bless you, your family and us all…
Kind Regards,
Mehdi Sajjadi
This is beautifully written. Sometimes it seems we trade efficiency for a bit of our humanity. I like your “prescription” idea!