This course explores specific conversations that impact doctor/patient trust and cooperation. Legal and fiduciary requirements of the physician as well as identifying strategies and priorities in communication with patients under a variety of situations that realistically happen in practice are discussed and practiced. Specifically, students practice conducting report of findings, PARQ conference and informed consent procedures using best practices approaches. Students also practice the delivery of difficult news such as a need for surgery or a serious diagnosis. Lastly, this course provides counsel and advice to student-physicians on how to screen for and evaluate difficult circumstances such as intimate partner violence, substance abuse, diversity issues and avoidance of sexual boundary violations. Successful students are equipped to better evaluate and resonate with patients in ways that facilitate satisfaction and compliance with care.
- Instructor: Gary Schultz