EP456: Dr. Timothy Gilligan shares how to build trust in critical medical conversations (Part 2)
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In this continuation of an insightful two-part series, Dr. Bradley Block dives deeper with Dr. Timothy Gilligan, a medical oncologist and president of the Academy of Communication in Healthcare. Dr. Gilligan shares proven methods for teaching communication to resistant attendings, using peer-to-peer learning and “rolling with resistance” to encourage growth.
Drawing from the ASCO Patient-Clinician Communication Guidelines, he emphasizes mastering simple basics like listening and showing care. Dr. Gilligan also tackles empathy versus compassion, advocating for imagining patients’ perspectives while maintaining boundaries to prevent burnout. With compelling stories and practical tips, this episode equips physicians to enhance their practice and find balance.
Three Actionable Takeaways:
- Embrace Resistance in Teaching: Validate resistant physicians’ concerns and use peer stories to demonstrate that communication skills improve with practice, like building muscle memory.
- Master the Basics: Apply ASCO Guidelines by prioritizing listening, eye contact, and expressing care—simple steps that drive better patient outcomes without complexity.
- Empathy with Limits: Imagine patients’ experiences to deliver compassionate care, but set professional boundaries and recharge with activities like tennis to stay resilient.
About the Show:
The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!
About the Guest:
Dr. Timothy Gilligan is an associate professor of medicine and medical oncologist specializing in urological malignancies at the Cleveland Clinic, where he serves as Associate Director of the Communication Skills course. As president of the Academy of Communication in Healthcare, he leads efforts to improve healthcare communication. Dr. Gilligan co-edited Communication, the Cleveland Clinic Way, and focuses on educational interventions for allyship, microaggressions, and anti-racist culture as the DEI officer for GME at Cleveland Clinic.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothygilliganmd
Website: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Timothy-Gilligan
About the Host:
Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians.
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