Internal medicine specialist Dr. Yasmin Carina Ryan is proud to announce her ongoing commitment to patient care. In ten years working in private practices and hospitals, she has seen time and time again that patient care is key to comfort, recovery, and positive outcomes for patients.

“We doctors tend to focus on the mechanics: diagnosis, surgery, procedures, recovery. But the patient’s experience has a direct and significant effect on their health, both in the long term and short term,” said Dr. Yasmin Carina Ryan. “That’s why I’m dedicated to not only doing patient care well myself, but to encouraging my colleagues to do the same, and changing physicians’ outlook on patient care as a whole.”

Dr. Yasmin Carina Ryan has been recognized for her dedication to patient care in the past. In 2011, she was the recipient of the Hands and Heart award, given each year by the Secretary for Veterans Affairs to a staff member of the VA medical system who exhibits notable dedication to serving veterans through exemplary patient care. Dr. Yasmin Carina Ryan responded to the honor by redoubling her efforts to improve patient experiences.

“If the patient doesn’t understand what’s happenings, or is in pain, or doesn’t have visitors, or is depressed - all of these things can prevent communication, and prevent the patient from getting what they need,” said Dr. Yasmin Carina Ryan. “Communicating directly with the patient, and giving each one individual attention as a person, rather than a set of symptoms, drastically improves health outcomes.”

For Dr. Yasmin Carina Ryan, the healthcare system as a whole continues to fall behind in this extremely important area. “Often, the conversation about patient care ends at bedside manner,” she remarked. “I’d like to see more trainings on how to keep patients involved in their care, how to communicate best with nursing staff, how to connect patients with external resources, how to improve mental health before we see really serious symptoms of depression or anxiety.”

Speaking of her hope for the future of patient care, Dr. Yasmin Carina Ryan said, “We have a long way to go, but I’m hopeful.”