ER doctor told 96-year-old patient he could finally go home after a long wait for his scan — but his heartfelt response left her fighting back tears
A long wait in a hospital can test anyone's patience, especially when a patient is in pain and wants to return home. For emergency doctor Doctor Tee, one shift brought an encounter that stayed with her long after it ended. She was treating a 96-year-old man who had come to the emergency room with abdominal pain. He needed a CT scan, but the delay worried him because his previous hospital visit had kept him there until midnight. Doctor Tee shared the experience in an Instagram video posted on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, under the handle @liltee.md, explaining how the patient's response left her deeply moved.
When Doctor Tee explained that the scan could take several hours, the man expressed his frustration about another long evening at the hospital. She was honest with him, saying there was a good chance he would have to wait until late again. By around 9 p.m., his scan results were ready, and she returned to his room with good news. The results were reassuring, and he could go home that night. However, instead of focusing on his own relief, the elderly patient took her arm and began speaking about another person he had seen in the emergency room. He had noticed a man who appeared close to death, with his wife sitting beside him. The sight had affected him deeply, and he began to tear up as he spoke to the doctor. The patient then told Doctor Tee, "Doctor, this is a really difficult job you do. And I really appreciate that you're doing it."
His words caught her off guard, especially after their earlier conversation about the wait. She had expected him to be relieved about leaving, but he had taken the time to notice what another family was facing and recognize the pressure on the medical staff. The man's response showed that he had looked beyond his personal frustration and thought about the emotional weight carried by those working in the emergency room.
Doctor Tee admitted that the encounter brought tears to her eyes. She was touched by the man's sincerity and the respect he showed her after witnessing another patient's distress. She explained that moments like these can mean a great deal to healthcare workers, whose jobs involve supporting people through frightening and painful situations. Reflecting on the experience, she said, "You have no idea how meaningful it is to us when we see it." His words offered reassurance that patients can recognize the effort and care behind medical work.
Beyond diagnoses and treatments, the bond between a doctor and a patient can lead to moments of genuine understanding and appreciation. In another story, a nurse cared for a seriously ill patient who had spent months in the ICU. As his condition worsened, she stayed beside him and held his hand. Before his final moments, he shared one simple wish. The nurse recalled, "He wanted to feel the wind on his face one more time." His request stayed with her and reminded her to appreciate the little things in life.
For more interesting stories, follow @liltee.md on Instagram.