The Art of Effective Physician Communication: Building Fundamental Roots

Hundreds of books (from “How to Make Friends and Influence People” to “The Horse Whisperer”) have been written to overcome miscommunication based on words, actions, attitudes, egos, race or culture. What makes “The Art of Effective Physician Communication” idiomatic for both those inside and outside the medical community?Author Aguiar’s expertise began at birth, living in seven countries, on four continents, speaking four languages. Her life became a learning school like no other, both personally and professionally. Her desire to help others brought her RN roles to the amplifying world of organ transplant. Life/death decisions can be driven by complex medical considerations, the pressure of immediacy, and the intricacy of cooperation among dozens of personalities.Those who observe or work with Aguiar find her a great source of stewardship and inspiration, with powerful communication ensconced in love not ego. Together with Author Wilkins, the writers offer proven ideas and techniques pragmatic in medical organizations as well as daily living. The book is short and concise and can change your life. Read it!

Very timely reading in this era of modern health care where large teams are frequently responsible for caring of patients with more complex medical problems that did not exist in the past. Gone are the days when a physician can single-handedly provide all the care needed for a patient yet they frequently find themselves solely responsible for the actions of the complex teams they lead. Like it or not, the physician is still in charge of the patient’s health care decisions. As they say in the text, physicians are trained to believe they are responsible for everything, must know everything and everything that happens with the team is a reflection on them. This book illuminates how to interface with this unique physician culture with thoughtful insight and sensitivity. Essential reading for anyone working in medical teams who has to have decision making discussions with physicians and are looking for a better way to interact with them.As an anesthesiologist and intensive care doctor who not only leads one of these teams but deals with the physician leaders of other teams, I found the strategies presented in this book insightful and I am eager to put them into practice and watch for change.With heartfelt personal anecdotes and well researched ideas, Mrs. Aguiar and Dr. Wilkens take you on a journey of acceptance and understanding that will transform the way you interact with the doctors you work with. The doctors will appreciate it and you may even make some new friends in the process!!