Author Archives: Helane Fronek

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About Helane Fronek

Over the past 28 years I have had a fascinating and fulfilling career in medicine, initially practicing as a general internist and then as a procedural specialist, caring for patients with vein disorders. As Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at UC- San Diego School of Medicine, I’m thrilled to be teaching medical students crucial communication skills along with many other aspects involved in the practice of medicine.

The Power and Perfection of No

Posted on March 5, 2013 by Helane Fronek

I’m writing this post from Japan, a beautiful and cultured country. Excited about encountering such a different culture, I’ve read several guidebooks that describe the sights as well as the people of Japan. For centuries, the Japanese were not allowed … Continue reading →

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Seeing people for real

Posted on February 22, 2013 by Helane Fronek

Last night, a friend shared a story that really struck me. A waitress approached a family of three sitting at a table in a diner and asked what they would like to eat. The little girl replied, “I’ll have a … Continue reading →

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The grace and gifts of no attachment

Posted on February 19, 2013 by Helane Fronek

Tonight I had the opportunity to speak to a group of high school students who are interested in a career in healthcare. 100 students gather monthly to hear talks by local physicians about a variety of subjects – mine was … Continue reading →

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Want a less stressful life? (Tough conversations made easy!)

Posted on January 28, 2013 by Helane Fronek

Is there a situation in your life that drives you crazy? An employee who continues to do a poor job? A child, relative, or friend who acts in a way you have asked them to stop? A work or home … Continue reading →

Posted in building relationship with patients, effective communication in healthcare, honesty in medical care, physician coaching, physician communication, physician fulfillment, physician work life balance | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Taking time for good communication can save a knee – or more

Posted on January 23, 2013 by Helane Fronek

For football enthusiasts, this season had some great moments and standout players. Russell Wilson of the Seahawks, and, of course, Robert Griffin III of the Redskins, who revived the franchise with his athletic abilities and leadership. But late in the … Continue reading →

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Have yourself a mindful 2013

Posted on January 9, 2013 by Helane Fronek

Well, January is already whizzing by – a week gone, and with what to show for it? As a busy physician with a husband, two kids, volunteer activities, a house money-pit, and many other things pulling my attention here and … Continue reading →

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With warm wishes at the new year

Posted on December 31, 2012 by Helane Fronek

Transitions are always full of emotion – the end of one thing and the beginning of another fills me, and most people, with feelings of gratitude or perhaps disappointment for what was or wasn’t – and excitement and hope or … Continue reading →

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Turning towards the open door

Posted on December 15, 2012 by Helane Fronek

When I was a teenager, I set my sights on winning the presidency of a national organization I belonged to. I arrived at our convention armed with campaign “buttons” made by cutting sticky shelf-lining paper into my initials and a … Continue reading →

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A National Day of Listening – Every Day

Posted on December 5, 2012 by Helane Fronek

As I was driving to see a friend the Saturday after Thanksgiving, I turned on NPR to listen to my favorite show, Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me! (check it out – hilarious and informative), and heard the newscaster announce that it … Continue reading →

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The power of empathy

Posted on November 11, 2012 by Helane Fronek

I have the delight and privilege of watching (and, I hope, helping) medical students learn how to communicate effectively and efficiently with patients. These first year medical students, many of them only in their early 20’s, are suddenly face to … Continue reading →

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