Harsh words cannot stop doctor from caring

Caring for sick people isn’t easy—especially when they are angry, fearful or in pain.

But harsh words don’t faze Nathan Christensen, MD, an otolaryngologist at PeaceHealth’s Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic in Eugene, Oregon.

According to Hannah Flier, LPN, a nurse at the clinic, Dr. Christensen doesn't let the behavior of a fearful patient get in the way of providing them the best possible care.

She recalls one patient who had experienced cancer more than once. The patient came into the clinic quite distressed and after proclaiming that the doctor was neglectful, left without being seen.

Because Dr. Christensen was planning to be out of the office the following week, he quickly made it his mission to track down this patient. Hannah helped locate the patient and Dr. Christensen took a break from his surgery schedule to walk across the campus to talk with the patient.

“We knew the patient was angry, scared and tired,” said Hannah. “But Dr. Christensen did not take the outburst personally.” The patient eventually came back for the biopsy, which found a recurrence of cancer.

“We were able to get treatment started quickly because Dr. Christensen ignored the negative behavior of a scared, hurting patient,” she said. “He went out of his way to make this patient feel seen and cared for.”

Hannah noted that Dr. Christensen extends the same grace to everyone in the office—always respectful and quick to assume positive intent. “Even on hard days, he does his best to keep things light—often entertaining us with dad jokes.”

Harsh words may be overlooked, but physical violence or threats against our medical care providers are never tolerated. Our caregivers are here to help. Thank you for treating them with the kindness and respect they deserve.