The Power to Listen (A speech shared with Kenyatta University Students at their Stethoscope Ceremony)

It is such a privilege to stand before you today as you don your stethoscopes—a symbol of care, responsibility, and, most importantly, listening. This is a day of great pride and immense potential. It is a day where you begin to learn not only how to hear but how to truly listen.

Let me begin with a little story.

One day, I walked into an Indian restaurant, eager to indulge in one of my favorite dishes—mushrooms with vegetable rice. Knowing how synonymous Indian food is with chilies, I was very clear when I placed my order: “No chilies, please.” I even repeated it twice for emphasis.

When the food arrived, it looked divine. But the first bite told a different story. It was packed with so many chilies that I could barely breathe. The entire restaurant turned to look at me as I coughed and spluttered, my face red and my appetite gone. The waiter came over, embarrassed, and said, “Madam, I thought you said you wanted lots of chilies!”

In that moment, I lost all interest in talking to him. I wanted someone with the power to listen. Thankfully, another waiter came and truly listened to my request.

This experience left me with a powerful lesson: listening is more than hearing words. It’s about understanding, interpreting, and acting appropriately.

As medics, you will spend your careers listening—listening to your patients, their symptoms, their worries, and even the things they do not say aloud. But today, I want to encourage you to do something absurd. I want you to turn your stethoscope around and listen to your own chest, your own heart, your own inner voice. Why? Because if you don’t take care of yourself, you cannot truly take care of others.

Let me share four areas to focus on, all beginning with the letter H: your Heart, your Health, your Habits, and your Happiness.

1. Your Heart

The heart is not just a physical organ; it represents your attitude, your outlook, and your ability to connect with others.

A story is told of a man who wore sunglasses indoors for so long that he began to believe the world was a dark and gloomy place. One day, a young boy asked him to remove the shades. When he did, he realized the world was not dark; his own perspective had dimmed his view.

As doctors, you will face challenges that may cloud your attitude. Long hours, difficult patients, and tough outcomes can make the world seem bleak. But I urge you to keep your heart light. Remove the “shades” of negativity. Approach each day with compassion, kindness, and hope.

I read another story once of a man who had paid expensively to see a beautiful rainbow  on some famous falls. When he got there he was furious because he did not see the rainbow that had been marketed widely. He demanded a refund. The tour guide calmed him down and asked him, “Sir where did you stand and how did you look?” He then held his hand and led him to stand on a rock and urged him to angle his head towards the sky. His fury turned to joy when his eyes were met with the most beautiful rainbow.

Just like the man, many medics would want to demand a refund of their fees when they finish school and they are met with some people’s sad news that there are no rainbows of jobs or high income? My question to these usually is where did you stand, and how did you look? I urge you to stand on the shoulders of other great men and women in the profession. Stand on the rock of knowledge. Stand on the truth. Look at the horizon of promise of great health for your patients, great healthy nations, and working health systems. There is always a rainbow. It just depends on where you stood and how you looked.

2. Your Health

Your health—physical, mental, and spiritual—is the foundation of your ability to care for others. Imagine a doctor advising a patient on a healthy lifestyle while neglecting their own health. It would be like trying to pour from an empty cup.

Take care of your body: exercise regularly, eat nutritious meals, and get enough sleep. Guard your mental health by seeking help when you need it, setting boundaries, and finding ways to de-stress. And nurture your soul, whether through faith, meditation, or moments of quiet reflection.

3. Your Habits

Your habits will shape your future, both in medicine and in life. The small things you do daily—reading, practicing, reflecting—compound over time.

I once met a doctor who kept a journal of every mistake he made. It was painful, he said, to record those moments. But over time, it became his greatest teacher. By reflecting on his errors, he grew into one of the most respected physicians in his field.

Form habits of excellence. Develop routines that build discipline, knowledge, and resilience. And remember, bad habits—like procrastination or neglecting your well-being—can be just as powerful in shaping your future, though in the wrong direction.

4. Your Happiness

Finally, don’t forget to nurture your own happiness. Medicine is a demanding field, and it’s easy to lose yourself in the process.

Find joy in the little moments: the smile of a patient, the camaraderie of your colleagues, the satisfaction of solving a tough case. Pursue hobbies, maintain relationships, and celebrate your milestones. Happiness is not a luxury; it’s a necessity that fuels your passion and keeps you grounded.

In conclusion, as you begin this journey, I urge you to remember that the power to listen starts with you. Listen to your heart—your attitude toward life. Listen to your health—your body, mind, and soul. Listen to your habits—your daily actions that shape your future. And listen to your happiness—the moments that bring you joy and fulfillment.

And above all, never stop listening to your patients. For in their stories, you will find not only their cure but also your purpose.

Wear your stethoscopes proudly, my dear medics. But always remember to turn it inward from time to time.

Thank you.