I teach physicians to communicate effectively. I’m not sure it works. Every now and then I am encouraged.

The two most common complaints I hear from my mother about physicians are:
1) He doesn’t listen. (Mom won’t see women physicians- no idea why.)
2) The front desk staff are idiots.

The most effective tool a physician has is her ears. The ability to take the time to listen, seriously listen, with genuine interest and compassion is rare. This is what I teach my students. That’s why the new book by Dr. Wendy Harpham caught my attention. She shares her experiences as a patient and physician.

Read Dr. Harpham’s book and change the way you think about your doctor. It’s your health care. You have the right to demand a standard of health care.

Disclaimer: I have no relationship financial or otherwise to Dr. Harpham, Amazon.com, Steve Majewski, or The American College of Physicians. It’s just a great book.