6 Ways Patients Show Gratitude to Emergency Doctors | Healio

The small gestures often resonate the loudest. As an emergency medicine and lifestyle medicine physician, Resa E. Lewiss, MD, reflects on 25 years of practice and the surprisingly consistent ways patients expressed gratitude, even amidst pain and uncertainty. It’s a reminder that acknowledging care, even with a simple “thank you,” holds significant weight for those on the front lines of healthcare.

Dr. Lewiss’s observations, published February 27, 2026, in Healio, highlight the profound impact of gratitude on both the patient and the provider. Beyond the well-documented health benefits of feeling gratitude – reduced stress, improved sleep, and enhanced mental wellbeing – the act of expressing it can create a vital connection in often-harried clinical settings.

The Power of a Simple ‘Thank You’

Perhaps unsurprisingly, a direct expression of thanks was the most common gesture Dr. Lewiss encountered. Though, she notes that it’s often undervalued, particularly in the fast-paced environment of an emergency department. Patients, understandably stressed by wait times and the chaotic atmosphere, may not always remember to acknowledge the care they receive. The simple act of a verbal thank you, Dr. Lewiss emphasizes, can be profoundly impactful for healthcare workers.

Beyond Words: Tangible Expressions of Gratitude

While a verbal acknowledgment is meaningful, patients often found other ways to convey their appreciation. Food gifts, ranging from boxes of donuts to fruit arrangements, were a frequent offering, particularly during the winter holidays. These gifts, Dr. Lewiss notes, often extended beyond a single caregiver, providing a boost to the entire team.

Personal notes, however, held a special significance. Dr. Lewiss and her colleagues consistently kept every handwritten thank-you note received, recognizing the effort and thoughtfulness behind such a gesture. The act of taking the time to write and send a note demonstrated a deeper level of appreciation.

Indirect Ways to Show Appreciation

Gratitude doesn’t always demand to be direct. Dr. Lewiss highlights several less-obvious ways patients showed their thanks. Completing patient feedback surveys, for example, can have a significant impact on a department’s standing within a hospital system and positively influence staff evaluations. Sending a message to a supervisor, acknowledging a doctor’s care, can too contribute to professional advancement.

Financial gifts, while less common, were also offered, with many patients directing donations towards specific hospital initiatives, such as trauma room renovations or lecture series endowments. In these cases, hospitals typically direct donors to their office of advancement and giving.

The Ripple Effect of Gratitude

The benefits of gratitude extend beyond the immediate interaction between patient and provider. Dr. Lewiss points to research demonstrating that gratitude is linked to healthier behaviors, including medication adherence, nutritious food choices, and regular exercise. It’s also associated with improved sleep quality and reduced stress hormone levels.

In the context of emergency medicine, where interactions are often brief and one-time, fostering a sense of gratitude can be particularly important. Dr. Lewiss’s observations underscore the idea that even small gestures of appreciation can have a lasting impact on those providing care during times of crisis.

What the Research Says About Gratitude and Health

The health benefits of gratitude are increasingly well-documented. Studies suggest that practicing gratitude can alter brain structures associated with reward and moral cognition. Research indicates that interventions designed to cultivate gratitude can reduce physician burnout, a significant concern in the healthcare industry. The mechanisms behind these benefits are complex, but likely involve the release of dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters associated with pleasure and wellbeing.

Navigating Healthcare Worker Burnout

Healthcare worker burnout is a growing concern, exacerbated by factors such as long hours, high stress levels, and emotional demands. The COVID-19 pandemic further intensified these challenges. Recognizing and acknowledging the contributions of healthcare professionals, through gestures of gratitude, can play a role in mitigating burnout and fostering a more supportive function environment.

While individual expressions of thanks are valuable, systemic changes are also needed to address the root causes of burnout. These include improving staffing levels, providing adequate resources, and promoting a culture of wellbeing within healthcare organizations.

Dr. Lewiss’s observations serve as a powerful reminder of the human connection at the heart of healthcare. A simple “thank you” – or any gesture of appreciation – can create a world of difference, not only to the recipient but also to the overall quality of care.