From the inside to connecting out: awakening doctors’ need to build an intersubjective dialogue with meaningful others

This article explores the profound dimensions of the doctor-patient relationship, emphasizing its central role in shaping a doctor's professional identity. Drawing from the experiences of an intensive care physician, it examines how connecting with patients' stories—through acts such as writing letters—fosters empathy, resilience, and meaning in medical practice. The formation of a professional identity in medicine requires not only technical expertise but also reflective engagement with questions about care, values, and self-preservation. The therapeutic relationship, influenced by personal experiences, internalized role models, and shared narratives, can range from functional to holistic approaches. The latter encourages genuine care and support for patients throughout their journeys, even in moments of fear, transition, or end-of-life care. Imaginative engagement with patients’ stories is highlighted as a critical strategy for sustaining empathy and commitment, particularly in challenging clinical situations. Such practices help mitigate emotional exhaustion, maintain motivation, and balance the tensions inherent in the profession. Recognizing vulnerabilities and adopting strategies for emotional regulation and stress management are essential for preventing burnout and depersonalization. The article underscores the importance of intersubjectivity—creating shared connections and reflective spaces with patients and colleagues—as a foundation for meaningful care. Writing, as a creative act, allows practitioners to externalize emotions, deepen their understanding of therapeutic relationships, and rediscover their vocational calling. For early-career doctors, narratives that humanize the doctor-patient relationship inspire a renewed commitment to the art of medicine, sustaining the balance between "taking care" and truly caring.