Listening to patients with our eyes

"Patients communicate immense amounts of information through body language. The primary understood, universal body language is choking. Anywhere in the world you go, if someone is choking, they use both hands to grab their throats. No matter what country you are in or what language is spoken, you can recognize someone choking and provide aid if trained. Body language is also understood to convey various subconscious emotions – crossed arms can be used by someone who is angry, frustrated, or scared, or shutting down in a conversation; open arms and uncrossed legs can be used by individuals who are open to new ideas, and willing to communicate with those they are talking to."

Jennifer Ribar is an osteopathic physician.

She shares her story and discusses her KevinMD article, "Listening to patients with our eyes." (https://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2021/11/listening-to-patients-with-our-eyes.html)