The Listen First Initiative: Empowering caregivers
Ben Johnson, Global Marketing Communications Manager, Littmann Stethoscopes | Solventum
Almost every diagnosis and patient interaction begins with the same first step: listening. It is the first step in building trust and the foundation of accurate care. That is why it is crucial that clinicians have access to the right tools to do their jobs.
Solventum is proud to announce the launch of the Listen First Initiative, a new philanthropic commitment from Littmann® Stethoscopes designed to expand access to patient care through high-quality tools and strengthen those care providers' clinical listening skills . Starting in 2026, we will donate up to 1,000 stethoscopes annually to organizations that support frontline healthcare providers serving communities with the greatest need, and who champion mentorship, hands-on learning and patient-centered care.
Why listening is our priority
In a world of rapidly advancing medical technology, the art of auscultation remains critical. Recent research commissioned by Littmann stethoscopes reinforces what many healthcare professionals experience in daily practice:
- 92% of clinicians and medical students agree their first responsibility is to listen and understand before diagnosing.
- 85% say their stethoscope has helped set the direction of a diagnosis or revealed something important.
- 73% report using their stethoscope for every patient assessment.
These insights drive our mission. We want to ensure that clinicians and educators working in underserved, emergency, or resource-limited settings have the professional-grade equipment they need to listen with confidence and deliver patient-centered care.
"The Listen First initiative is more than a donation program, it's our commitment to empower healthcare providers and future healthcare providers with the tools they need to learn, teach, and deliver confident, compassionate care wherever it’s needed most,” said Doug Bartlett, Senior Vice President of Infection Prevention and Surgical Solutions at Solventum. “By enhancing listening skills, we help foster confidence, accuracy, and empathy in every patient interaction."
Partnering for impact: Direct Relief
We know that effective listening depends on access to the right tools. That is why we are launching this program in partnership with Direct Relief, a humanitarian organization dedicated to improving health outcomes by equipping healthcare providers with the essential medicines, supplies, and equipment they need to care for people in vulnerable and underserved communities around the world.
Through this partnership, donated stethoscopes will support:
- Frontline healthcare providers caring for patients in underserved and crisis‑affected communities.
- Clinicians responding to emergencies and delivering primary care in resource‑limited settings.
- Healthcare teams working to close gaps in access to diagnosis and treatment.
"Before a diagnosis is made or a treatment plan is developed, providers must first understand what a patient is experiencing," said Amy Weaver, Chief Executive Officer of Direct Relief. "In many of the communities Direct Relief supports, healthcare workers are delivering care under extraordinary circumstances with limited resources. Access to essential diagnostic tools helps strengthen patient care, inform clinical decision-making, and build trust between providers and the people they serve. Listening is the first step toward better health outcomes."
A commitment to the future
Launching the Listen First Initiative is about reaffirming the essential human skill at the center of care. Whether you are a healthcare provider delivering care in the most challenging conditions or a student just learning to identify heart sounds, we aim to support healthcare providers and help them to listen first.
About the author
Ben Johnson, Global Marketing Communications Manager
Littmann Stethoscopes, Solventum
Ben is a global marketing communications leader in the healthcare industry, specializing in integrated campaigns that connect across social, digital, and eCommerce platforms.
As a driving force behind the “Listen First” Initiative, Ben is committed to using brand platforms to create meaningful, real-world impact through philanthropic efforts that support healthcare education and access.
He lives in London, Ontario, Canada.
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