This document discusses dissonance in healthcare encounters from multiple perspectives. It begins by exploring dissonance in music and how it creates tension and movement in a composition. It then examines sources of dissonance physicians may experience in difficult patient encounters, interactions with colleagues, and their own internal experiences. Several strategies are proposed for managing this dissonance, including mindfulness practices, medical humanities, solitude and reflection. Empathy is discussed as crucial for connecting with patients during care, while also preventing burnout. Overall it promotes curiosity, self-awareness and listening skills to help navigate complexity in patient interactions and heal from distressing experiences.