Transforming Healthcare: How Compassionate Communication Training Strengthens Connections in High-Stress Environments

For Dr. Subramony, the fellowship has been a key way to tackle burnout in the emergency department. As the director of wellness, she’s passionate about fostering compassion among healthcare providers. “I’ve seen how connecting with patients makes a difference; many tell me they feel happier at the end of their shifts,” she shared.

UC San Diego is at the forefront with its fellowship curriculum and train-the-trainer program. Director Buckholz believes this model can inspire other institutions.

Measuring the impact of the fellowship is crucial. Dr. Amy Vatne Bintliff and doctoral student Becca Levine from UC San Diego have been gathering data to assess how the program influences clinicians. Their findings, documented in the journal Academic Medicine, show that such educational initiatives help medical professionals reconnect with their initial motivations for entering the field.

Levine emphasized, “This program encourages medical professionals to tap into their natural compassion.” Subramony echoed this sentiment, reflecting on her own journey. “In the early days, I focused on the science of medicine and avoiding errors. Now, I’ve realized that the art of medicine—building connections with patients—is equally important.”

So far, over 85 healthcare professionals and artists have completed the Sanford Compassionate Communication Academy. Applications for the fellowship are rolling, and the Center for Compassionate Communication also offers a two-day workshop for those interested, covering similar content.

In a world where healthcare demands are intense, programs like these shed light on the importance of compassion in medicine. As the industry evolves, nurturing the human side of healthcare could be crucial for both providers and patients.

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