I walk into a medical clinic and observe a sign that reads:

“For patient privacy, please wait here. Thank you.”

So I wait.

An attendee helps the person in front of me. The attendee speaks loudly enough that I can clearly hear the answers and topics being discussed.

I can’t help but wonder:

• I wonder if the attendee is aware of how loud they are?

• What’s the point of signaling privacy?

• What if I highlighted the paradox for the attendee would they care?

As I am writhing — writing — this another person walks in. I learn that person’s name and what they’re in for. I learn the name of another person who needs their appointment changed because a provider will be out I learn that another attendee is sick and will be traveling to Miami. And I learn the name of the attendee

I suppose this is the experience of the Lincoln Avenue Health Center, a clinic of the Medical College of Wisconsin and Froedtert Memorial Hospital.