Dr. Bryant Lin, a 50-year-old physician at Stanford University, began his class by sharing a deeply personal narrative about his own battle with terminal cancer. He highlighted the significance of empathy in medicine by reading a letter from a former patient, expressing gratitude for compassionate care during tough times. This approach aims to help future doctors understand the human side of medical practice, which is often overshadowed by technical training.

Lin's journey to become a doctor was significantly influenced by this patient's experience, which made him realize the importance of compassion in healing. By transforming his struggle with cancer into a teaching moment, he offers students a unique perspective that combines scientific rigor with the belief in miracles and hope. This duality aims to inspire and create a new generation of physicians who can balance empathy with their scientific knowledge.

His innovative course quickly filled all available spots, showcasing the intense interest from medical students to learn about compassion in healthcare. Dr. Lin's story and teaching methods encourage students to view their patients as individuals with personal stories, fostering a more humane approach to medicine that acknowledges both the science of healing and the potential for miraculous recoveries.