“The greatest fear of patients is that they won’t be heard by their doctors.” Dr. Danielle Ofri MD.

I began using an AI scribe in my office with certain expectations. What has surprised and genuinely delighted me, however, were the unanticipated effects.

The ancient art of taking clinical history feels alive again. I have flashbacks to medical school teachers instilling in me the mantra: “taking a medical history is the most important diagnostic tool”.

For the first time in years, physicians can truly look at their patients—meet their eyes, observe their body language, and be fully present—rather than multitasking behind a screen. I am no longer turned away, my back to the patient, pressured to type every detail in real time. Instead, I can sit with them, attentive and unhurried, reassuring them with my eyes and facial expressions. This shift has changed the emotional texture of my day. I am more at ease with my patients, and they, in turn, seem more at ease with me. Presence has replaced typing.

There have also been important gains in accuracy. Narrative errors were more common before I used an AI scribe. Was it the right leg or the left? Did the injury occur last week or four weeks ago? These seemingly small uncertainties carry meaningful downstream consequences. Accuracy underpins professionalism, and professionalism means better care.

At the end of the day, I am more confident in the record and less cognitively burdened by reconstruction and second-guessing. The result is not only better documentation, but a better physician and patient experience.

This brings to mind Arthur Frank’s observation that one of our most difficult duties as human beings is to listen to the voices of those who suffer. With the support of an AI scribe, I feel that I am finally able to do just that.