Category Archives: effective communication in healthcare

Just one thing

Posted on March 23, 2012 by Helane Fronek

In the hilarious Billy Crystal movie, City Slickers, the old cowboy Curly tells Billy that each person has one thing that really gives their life meaning. Sometimes, it only takes one thing to make the difference between feeling lost and … Continue reading →

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The opposite is also true – physician coaching allows the greater truth to emerge

Posted on March 7, 2012 by Helane Fronek

Someone recently told me about a bumper sticker that read, THE OPPOSITE IS ALSO TRUE. I love how that simple concept can open up whole new perspectives in our thinking. We are frequently so confident that our ideas are right … Continue reading →

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What am I missing?

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Helane Fronek

As part of a second year medical school course that I’m involved in, I recently attended a panel discussion on LGBT health issues. I consider myself fairly sensitive to cross-cultural issues that impact medical practice, and since I know several … Continue reading →

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Angry patients? Don’t run and don’t hide.

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Helane Fronek

During the holidays (aside from the crowds at the malls), most people are filled with generosity and kindness for those around them. But the reality is that anger is a frequent expression of fear and pain in our society. As … Continue reading →

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Looking for the perfect gift?

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Helane Fronek

What most people really want in life is to be seen – really seen for who they are, the impacts they make, and the importance they have in our lives. Unfortunately, we live in a busy world in which our … Continue reading →

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The potency of hope

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Helane Fronek

The holiday season brings many reminders of the power of belief, faith and hope. Unfortunately, we in the medical profession often focus so much on science that we forget how important these other factors can be in our patients’ healing. … Continue reading →

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Doctors are teachers

Posted on November 19, 2011 by Helane Fronek

The word doctor originates from the Latin verb, docēre, which means “to teach.” Much of our time is, in fact, spent teaching our patients about their condition, the treatments we offer, and how to stay healthy. Joanne Desmond, in Communicating … Continue reading →

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What moved me today

Posted on November 7, 2011 by Helane Fronek

In The Healer’s Art medical school elective (http://www.ishiprograms.org/programs/medical-educators-students/), we discuss the “3 question journal” in which we look back at our day and ask, “What surprised me today?” “What touched me today?” and “What moved me today?” As I contemplated … Continue reading →

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Introductions – easy to do, profound in their impact

Posted on October 19, 2011 by Helane Fronek

Several months ago I accompanied my elderly relative to the emergency room. I sat in the room worrying as I wondered what might be causing his symptoms. Suddenly, a man entered the room and gruffly asked me, “how old is … Continue reading →

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Changing behaviors…made easier

Posted on October 8, 2011 by Helane Fronek

As physicians, we are the leaders of the healthcare team. And with medicine becoming more specialized, we depend increasingly on employees and consultants for their contributions. Unfortunately, it often seems that their vision doesn’t match ours and their behavior reflects … Continue reading →

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