When I think back to the original meaning of the word “doctor,” I believe we may have lost our way in the physician/patient interaction. The word “doctor” originates from the Latin word, meaning to teach. As a physician and educator, I can’t remember the last time I went to the doctor and was taught something. Prior to starting medical school, I spent six months in the hospital and rehab, rebuilding my body from a construction accident. This situation was very painful and debilitating, but it provided me with the patient’s perspective on illness. It is from this perspective that all physicians need to originate. By teaching, you not only strive to treat, but you strive for the best outcome.
Physicians are not always the best communicators, but this is not a prerequisite to being a good teacher. Good communication is the result of being a good teacher. The natural progression of a teacher is to first know the subject well. Next, you need to provide a connection between the subject at hand and a positive result, by example or a proven endpoint. After this, strive for your presentation to be smooth, clear and constructed to enable a memory imprint. After several years of teaching, you should become a good teacher. It then follows that you will have become a good communicator.
Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
