I’ll admit, when my coworker first introduced me to ChatGPT, I didn’t think much of it. I figured it was just another tech tool that probably wouldn’t be all that useful in my day-to-day life.
But I decided to test it out anyway. I uploaded a picture of my primary care physician list — over 400 names — and asked ChatGPT some very specific questions about ethics, humanity, gender, and overall safety in medical practice. As a woman of Afrikan descent, I’ve had my share of abrasive and, at times, outright racist experiences in healthcare. So this search wasn’t just about convenience; it was about trust, dignity, and finding someone who would actually see me.
To my surprise (and a little concern), out of more than 400 providers, only six met the criteria I was looking for. Six. You’d think things like empathy, integrity, and inclusivity would be universal — but they clearly aren’t. And to make matters worse, five of those six either weren’t accepting new patients or had wait times stretching into February 2026. Yikes.
Still, I had one name left — and I’m so glad I followed through.
My new doctor was born in America to Indian parents. From the moment she walked into the room, there was an ease about her — an openness that felt rare. She greeted me with genuine warmth and said, “I’m so happy to be your doctor.” Throughout the appointment, she was kind, attentive, and present in a way that made me feel completely at ease.
Then came a moment that made me laugh and love her even more. In the middle of our chat, she suddenly stopped, chuckled, and said, “Oh my gosh, I think I might have something in my nose!” She laughed as she reached for a tissue, saying, “I normally wouldn’t say that to a patient, but I feel like I can say that to you.” I told her, “Oh, I totally would tell you!” When she came back from washing her hands, I looked her in the nose and said, “All clear — nothing there.” Her smile lit up the room.
She also apologized at one point for wearing her gardening tennis shoes. She told me she’d gotten dressed for the day, went out to tidy up her garden, and completely forgot to change shoes before heading in. We both laughed — it just made her even more real.
That small collection of moments — laughter, honesty, comfort — reminded me what healthcare should feel like. Human. Down-to-earth. Safe. There was something quietly beautiful about our connection — two women of color, from different cultures, sharing a simple, authentic moment in a space that so often feels sterile and guarded.
I can’t say I’ll use ChatGPT for much else, but for this — for helping me find a doctor who respects and understands me — it was invaluable. What started as a test turned into something deeply meaningful.
Sometimes, technology gets it right — not by replacing humanity, but by helping us find it.
Ase’O
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