
Science and technology may explain medical conditions, but not the unexpected twists of surreal encounters with patients.

William Sheahan, M.D., is a family physician based in Florida who retired in the last year after a 40-year medical career. He earned his medical degree at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and in March 2026 received a foundational certificate in narrative-based medicine from the University of Toronto. He has enjoyed writing on various medical topics over the years. Along with clinical studies and presentations, he is the author of three volumes of “Patients Say the Darndest Things” and “A Doc Who Jots: The more you know about your patient’s story …”

Science and technology may explain medical conditions, but not the unexpected twists of surreal encounters with patients.

Fight burnout and be a better doctor by becoming an amateur anthropologist, starting with your next patient.