Aiming to “transform the pain of grief into the elixir of hope,” a group called The Compassionate Friends, with more than 600 U.S. chapters, brings together parents who’ve suffered the loss of a child, to help them sort through complicated emotions among kindred spirits.

Patients often complain about rushed doctor visits and, of course, the cost of medical services. But a number of studies in recent years highlight a different concern: whether as a patient you actually experience kindness when receiving health care.

And being treated with basic courtesy and compassion – especially while undergoing medical distress – was rated in one survey as the most important factor when a patient chooses a provider. In this Humankind documentary, we examine that challenge, from the perspective of both health care professionals – often serving in a stressful environment – and patients who come for help.

Norman Cousins tells how “laughter therapy,” a warm bond with his physician, and Vitamin C cured a crippling spinal disease against 500-to-1 odds.