Integrating the Patient’s Social and Medical Histories

Dr. Julie Oyler talks about the art of balancing social and medical care for older patients. She reflects on how her approach has evolved, from the early days of handwritten notes to today’s tech-assisted visits, and how she’s learned to keep the focus on the person behind the chart. She shares the tug-of-war between efficiency and empathy, the challenge of managing family dynamics in the exam room, and the rewards of long-term relationships that span decades of care. Thoughtful, humble, and a little funny, this one feels close to home for every clinician.