Category Archives: building relationship with patients
State your Intention Front and Center: Physician Coaching provides a powerful communication tool
As physicians, we make hundreds of decisions every day. Each is influenced by an intention, whether we are aware of it or not. Sadly, when we don’t communicate this, we leave a powerful tool untapped, resulting in a less focused … Continue reading
When Doctors Have Time to Care
If you’ve visited a doctor recently, it’s likely that you’ve felt unseen and unheard. Sadly, “healthcare” is often dictated more by corporate requirements and a focus on the bottom line than by creating a healing interaction between doctors and patients. … Continue reading
Good communication – simpler than we think: Coaching Physicians to enhance their relationship with patients
Last week I had the opportunity to speak about communication to a large group of family physicians. Given that primary care doctors are pushed to see patients in ridiculously short visits, I titled my talk, “Communication Skills to Make a … Continue reading
Physician Coaching 101: Why Doctors Can be Happy About Doctor’s Day
Today is National Doctor’s Day. Who knew? In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the law designating March 30th national Doctor’s Day. Historically, the appropriate gift for a doctor was a red carnation. Ironically, the red carnation is a Spanish … Continue reading
Speaking up – an important service to society in the eyes of a physician coach
On a recent trip, I volunteered to help with physicals for some aspiring baseball players. Part of the evaluation was asking each person if he used smokeless tobacco, an unfortunately common habit among baseball players. Surprisingly, a good number acknowledged they did. … Continue reading
Open Book Medicine – a physician coach recommends curiosity
Today was one of those days when I knew why I went into medicine. Among my new patients were two with complicated medical histories. One was treated by a physician and improved. But a second physician emphatically told her she should never have had the … Continue reading
Our perfect patients: how physicians can mold our practice to optimize everyone’s satisfaction
An internist recently shared a story about an elderly couple – both were her patients. One day, the woman remarked, “I love you, because you tell me what you think.” The doctor was flattered that her style was appreciated. She felt … Continue reading
The Magic of an Apology – a physician coach’s perspective
Yesterday, I cleared my calendar for the long-awaited delivery of a new dishwasher. Arriving early so I wouldn’t miss the delivery hours, I imagined having a dishwasher that would work well, with a black face to match all the other … Continue reading
Communicating care and concern – in the blink of a patient visit: how physicians can make the most of their time
Recently, I visited a friend in the hospital. As her condition improved, the nursing staff suggested it was time to discuss discharge planning and called the social worker to make the necessary arrangements . The social worker entered the room, remaining close to … Continue reading
Compassion: a simple way to a more peaceful life – a physician coach’s choice
As I walked through a parking garage the other day, a very surprising thing happened. This garage isn’t well designed – there is barely enough space for cars to drive in and out and some of the parking spots are pretty tight. The driver … Continue reading
