Category Archives: physician communication

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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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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Getting it right

Posted on September 25, 2011 by Helane Fronek

The other day, my very experienced and highly competent yoga instructor referred to “happy baby” pose as “child’s pose.” While they both sound juvenile, those poses could not be more different. Later that day, I told a patient that she … Continue reading →

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Advice from a recovering control freak

Posted on September 17, 2011 by Helane Fronek

Recently, I overheard several people lamenting that they were not better delegators. As a recovering control-freak, I can assure you that good delegators are not necessarily born – they are developed. And I guarantee that you, too, can become more … Continue reading →

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Avoiding the dreaded “door knob conversation”

Posted on September 10, 2011 by Helane Fronek

We are all way too busy – so we prioritize. We put the most important things first and relegate the less important to any time we have left. We assume that our patients do the same. But, as my kids’ … Continue reading →

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There’s power in word placement

Posted on September 5, 2011 by Helane Fronek

Have you ever noticed that two people can hear the same words and have very different interpretations of what was said? We respond to our world on the basis of our experience and our expectations, so it is not uncommon … Continue reading →

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