I walk into a medical clinic and observe a sign that reads: “For patient privacy, please wait here. Thank you.” So I wait. An attendee helps the person in front of me. The attendee speaks loudly enough that I can clearly hear the answers and topics being discussed. I can’t help but wonder: I wonder if the attendee is aware of how loud they are?What’s the point of signaling privacy?What if I highlighted the paradox for the attendee would they care?As I am writhing — writing — this another person walks in. I learn that person’s name and what they’re in for. I learn the name of another person who needs their appointment changed because a provider will be out I learn that another attendee is sick and will be traveling to Miami. And I learn the name of the attendee I suppose this is the experience of the Lincoln Avenue Health Center, a clinic of the Medical College of Wisconsin and Froedtert Memorial Hospital.

Last modified on 2025-02-25