On one occasion, in the emergency department, an elderly woman was irritated and giving the nurses a hard time. I offered to sit down with her and was initially met with hostility and resentment. Eventually we started talking and his apprehension started to melt away. By the end of our conversation, we were both laughing. Pulling me closer, she whispered that she had gotten dirty earlier but was too embarrassed to tell anyone. Patience, persistence and open communication allowed me to determine the reason for his behavior. The solution was so simple and she finally felt comfortable enough to interact with her healthcare providers and get the care she needed. While I can't say our first interaction was pleasant, it was such a rewarding experience knowing that I was able to put this woman at ease during her stay. I have seen firsthand that working in the medical field, even in the United States, comes with its own set of challenges. As I learned in Peru, clear communication and sensitivity to a patient's unique needs are universally valued in