Communication skills: a tale of 2 doctors

There are two doctors working at the local hospital. They are both around the same age, been in practice for several years, and in the same specialty. Dr. Cooper grew up in Ohio and went to medical school in California, before moving to New York after his residency training. Dr. Steele grew up in Michigan, where he also went to medical school, before completing his residency in Florida, and then ending up in the same hospital in New York. Dr. Steele isn’t as smart on paper as Dr. Cooper. He got average USMLE scores and didn’t get into his first choice residency program. He just scraped by on his boards, but is now well established after a few years in practice. He enjoys most of his work, is loved by his patients and the staff he works with. He’s a great team player, connects well with all his patients and their families, and gets glowing reviews from them. He is jovial and cordial in his interactions and knows how to talk to people. Dr. Cooper, on the other hand, went to one of the best medical schools in the United States and pretty much aced every single exam. He then completed his residency at a top medical center, before moving to the same hospital as Dr. Steele. Dr. Cooper, unfortunately, is not as good at communicating with patients. He is sound technically and has stellar medical knowledge, but is just not as polished when he talks to patients. He’s not terrible, certainly well-meaning, but just doesn’t interact well with patients and their families! They co...
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Physician Hospital-Based Medicine Source Type: blogs