When Dr. Verghese, professor for the theory and practice of medicine, meets a new patient, it is often the story of the person’s life that most informs their interactions. Sometimes even if he cannot cure, he can still heal.

Abraham Verghese is a critically acclaimed, best-selling author and a physician with an international reputation for his focus on healing in an era when technology often overwhelms the human side of medicine. In February 2014, he received a Heinz Award from Teresa Heinz and the Heinz Family Foundation. The Heinz awards given annually celebrate the enduring spirit of hope and the power of innovation.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx