03/22/2025
Review of Kissinger Goldman DO, MBA "How To Patient" course based on feedback from my medical students.
The How to Patient course is an invaluable resource for healthcare professionals aiming to enhance their patient interaction skills. Covering a wide range of topics, it offers practical advice for both new and experienced practitioners.
One standout aspect is the emphasis on follow-up communication. As one student noted, "I have never thought about the importance of an ER physician (or other physician that only sees patients on a one-time basis) giving their contact info to patients for any questions after the visit. I think that’s a great idea and helps connect these doctors to their patients better." This insight highlights the course's encouragement of deeper connections between physicians and patients.
The course excels in teaching how to convey complex medical information clearly. A student shared, "Describing disease processes in a way that patients can understand is very important and a lot of times overlooked. I believe that this course emphasized how to relay that information in a clear and concise way." This focus ensures patients are better informed about their health.
Another practical tip is the approach to patient interactions. One student mentioned, "I learned about how to approach a patient better by using the words ‘how can we help you today?’ instead of asking what brings you in today." This subtle shift fosters a more welcoming environment for patients.
The course also addresses explaining common pathologies to patients without a medical background. As one student reflected, "I enjoyed the section about ways to explain common pathologies in ways patients without a medical background would understand. This course gave some great recommendations I plan on using!"
Finally, the course provides strategies for navigating difficult patient scenarios, such as when patients demand unnecessary testing. A student expressed, "There were a few sections on navigating difficult patient scenarios, such as patients demanding testing that a physician may feel is unnecessary. I definitely feel more confident navigating those conversations now as well."
Overall, the "How To Patient" course is a must-have for any healthcare professional. It offers practical, actionable advice that can be immediately implemented in clinical practice, making it an essential tool for enhancing patient interactions and outcomes.
