Tag Archives: communication in healthcare

Do-overs in the same barn

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Helane Fronek

In, Blink, Malcolm Gladwell explains that we often make decisions in the blink of an eye. In fact, Gladwell shows us, we frequently form an opinion of people we meet within the first few seconds. This makes it important for … Continue reading →

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Lessons from a 5th grade history teacher

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Helane Fronek

Yesterday I missed an opportunity to partner with my patient and engage her in the decision making for her treatment. I did what our kids’ 5th grade teacher warned them never to do – I assumed. I assumed that I … Continue reading →

Posted in building relationship with patients, effective communication in healthcare, honesty in medical care, patient agendas, physician coach, physician coaching, physician communication | Tagged | 1 Comment

What if we just don’t know?

Posted on March 18, 2013 by Helane Fronek

Medicine is an inexact science. We diagnose two patients with the same disorder, treat them with the same therapy, and one recovers while the other one doesn’t. I’m sure we have all had that experience. Hard core “knowledge” that we … Continue reading →

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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 →

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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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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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