Written By: Tshegofatso Kgatshe
I didn’t know she had aphasia.
I was too concerned with completing my portfolios to notice.
Soon, I’m performing charades to try and translate her unintelligible murmurs.
I remain unsuccessful.
I’m getting frustrated.
She watches me give up.
Then, her eyes well with tears, and her voice shakes.
“Why?” she whispers.
I understand her now.
Author Bio:
Tshegofatso is a third-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery student at the University of Cape Town. Inspired by an emotional interaction with one of her first patients, she wrote this piece as a reflection on the lessons that allowed her to grow in empathy, understanding and patient-centered practices.