Well said, @DrAsmakhan! Clear communication really is the defining trait of a great physician.
Effective communication is as important as medical knowledge. It is important to explain to patients in simple language and use simple examples to make the information easier to understand.
Yes, being able to explain complex health information in simple language is a skill every physician should have. I think medical writing is one way for me to learn this skill till I reach my clinician phase.
I have faced this issue few times, it becomes difficult to explain few terms as they are unaware of it, and hence as physician knowing regional words for every problem is also necessary. This will help them to understand in much better way.
During my clinical internship, I found it challenging to explain a medical condition to an anxious patient using terms they could easily understand. I avoided medical jargon, used simple everyday language, spoke calmly, and encouraged the patient to ask questions. By the end of the conversation, the patient appeared more confident and understood the treatment plan better. It reminded me that empathy and clear communication are essential parts of quality patient care.
I have experienced this as a patient. I had to get a RTC done, and the dentist tried easing my anxiety by explaining the procedure. I ended up feeling even more scared ![]()
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