Communication & Professionalism Competencies: A Guide for Surgeons

The majority of surgeon training is focused on treating the patient and virtually no time or thought is given to how the surgeon can most effectively communicate with the patient and their family members. Unfortunately, a lack of communication skill, not technical skill, may be what leads to a patient feeling dissatisfied with their surgery experience. This book aims to remedy this all too common problem between surgeons and their patients. Smartly designed with vignettes and colorful graphic display of useful tools to enhance communication skills, this book offers a plethora of tips and methods on a variety of topics, including intercultural techniques, speaking with older patients, disclosing adverse outcomes and asking for tissues and organs. This book should be read by all surgeons and in particular medical students and residents just beginning their training.