Los Angeles physician Dr. Syed Omar Tirmizi, MD is encouraging patients to take a more active role in their long-term healthcare by prioritizing communication, follow-up care, and informed medical conversations.
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESS Newswire / June 10, 2026 / Dr. Syed Omar Tirmizi, MD, a Los Angeles-based physician specializing in pulmonary and internal medicine, is speaking out about what he believes is one of the most overlooked issues in healthcare today: the loss of meaningful communication between doctors and patients.
After more than 25 years in practice, including work through West Los Angeles Pulmonary Medical Group, the Medical Group of Culver City, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Dr. Tirmizi says many patients feel unheard, rushed, and disconnected from their own healthcare journey.
“People remember whether you took the time to hear them,” said Dr. Tirmizi. “That part of medicine never changes.”
According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, strong physician-patient communication is linked to higher patient satisfaction, improved treatment adherence, and better long-term health outcomes. Meanwhile, studies from the Journal of General Internal Medicine have shown that patients are often interrupted within seconds of beginning to explain their symptoms during medical visits.
Dr. Tirmizi says that trend can create frustration on both sides of the healthcare experience.
“Some patients are unhappy before they even walk through the door,” he said. “There is frustration with delays, confusion, and the healthcare system overall. Doctors feel that pressure too.”
As respiratory illnesses and chronic health conditions continue to affect millions of Americans, Dr. Tirmizi believes long-term communication and continuity of care are becoming more important than ever.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that millions of adults in the United States live with chronic lung diseases such as asthma or COPD. Many of these conditions require ongoing monitoring, follow-up appointments, and patient education over time.
“You build relationships over years, not minutes,” Dr. Tirmizi said. “That trust is earned visit by visit.”
Dr. Tirmizi is encouraging patients to become more engaged participants in their own healthcare by taking several simple but important steps:
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Keep a written list of symptoms and questions before appointments
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Follow through with recommended follow-up visits
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Ask for clarification when medical information feels confusing
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Focus on long-term health management instead of quick fixes
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Maintain open and respectful communication with healthcare providers
He says patients should not feel intimidated about asking questions or seeking a better understanding of their health conditions.
“Patients today are more informed than ever before,” Dr. Tirmizi said. “Part of the job now is helping people sort through information and focus on what actually applies to them.”
Dr. Tirmizi also believes the healthcare industry itself must continue finding ways to balance technology with human connection. While digital systems and online healthcare tools have improved efficiency, he says compassion and listening still remain essential parts of effective care.
“The technology will keep changing,” he said. “But patients still want compassion. They still want honesty. They still want someone who listens.”
Throughout his career in Los Angeles medicine, Dr. Tirmizi has focused on what he describes as “appropriate and continuing medical care,” especially for patients dealing with pulmonary and internal medicine concerns that often require long-term management.
He hopes the conversation around patient care continues moving toward stronger communication, realistic expectations, and greater trust between physicians and patients.
“People may forget technical details,” Dr. Tirmizi added. “But they remember how they were treated.”
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Dr. Syed Omar Tirmizi, MD
Dr. Syed Omar Tirmizi, MD is a Los Angeles-based physician specializing in pulmonary and internal medicine. He has practiced in West Los Angeles since 1999 through organizations including West Los Angeles Pulmonary Medical Group and the Medical Group of Culver City. In addition to operating his Culver City office, he also performs hospital work at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Dr. Tirmizi is known for emphasizing compassionate care, patient communication, and continuing medical support.
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SOURCE: Dr. Syed Omar Tirmizi, MD
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