One of the clinics is at an inquisitive crossroad. The agitation of nerves stamps itself against sterility. Individuals come with phones, folders or concerns that they have the faintest idea what they are. Chairs shift. A printer hums in protest. One laughs at an inappropriate time. Here life is condensed in dates. Go here!

The visit is fashioned silently in the front desk. A smiling, non-upset face is capable of calming down tension more quickly than drugs. One keen look will work that in a few seconds. Clinics exchange information in short shots: one piece of paper with a clipboard that does not have to be handed over with a handshake, another piece of paper with a pen that does not need to be put into the pocket and starts working. These are moments which are more significant than smooth slogans.

Clinicians are dealing with a precious resource, time. Some appointments move fast. There are those who need space to expand. Listening can be an intimidating undertaking in a busy schedule, but it can save time in the end. Give people an opportunity to speak and the issue will normally manifest itself. Trim them down, and the narrative is disoriented.

Technology is at par with the human touch. Screens glow. Alerts chime. Charts stack higher. Then there is a hand resting tenderly on an arm–sure and true. Numbers are collected by machines; the meaning of these numbers is given by men. The rhythm may go tumbling, yet it is necessary.

Giving care hardly follows straight lines. Symptoms wander. Examinations imply and do not indicate. Gradually improvement arrives bit by bit. Patients look for certainty. Clinicians provide opinion and sincerity. Both are patient and they may take time to take a deep breath.

Humor slips in when it can. A quip about the paper gown. One of the remarks on a cold stethoscope. Laughter relaxes the situation. It does not solve everything but leaves breathing space.

The place is run by trust. It is a slow-growing and soon-fading one. Always make little vows and fulfill them. Return calls. Not only results but reasons too. Limits can be accepted. Silence cannot.

It is the times when a clinic does not advertise. Missed meals. Quiet relief after worry. Bad news conveyed in a soft manner. Minor triumphs were indicated by nod. They are taken home by the staff and put in the day-to-day living.

Logistics is important, yet atmosphere is significant as well. Floors should be clean. Signs should guide clearly. There should not be chairs which announce themselves. Water should be easy to find. These decisions have a low tone yet talk volumes.

A medical clinic is a neighborhood workshop at best, plain, reliable and cooperative. Where issues are dealt with in an atmosphere of togetherness, one visit at a time.