A Connecticut health care nonprofit was honored by Gov. Ned Lamont this week for its compassionate and empathic care toward patients.

Lamont issued a proclamation for The Patient is U (TIPU) Foundation. As News 12 has reported, the Essex-based foundation was started by head and neck surgeon Dr. K.J. Lee who wanted to offer compassionate care.

Lee also founded the organization to remind health care providers "to listen, understand the patient without rushing them. And put yourself in their shoes."

"These are your patients, and you should treat them with compassion and empathy as if the patients are you," says Lee.

Lee and Dr. Michael Crain, TIPU's president, tell News 12 there are several benefits to health care providers offering sympathetic care, including improving patient outcomes.

Studies have concluded that patients who are shown empathy share more information and give a clearer picture of their experience to medical professionals. Patients are also more likely to take their medication properly and are less likely to file lawsuits.