How can you build rapport with physicians who are treating patients with complex medical conditions?

1 Understand their goals

Physicians who are treating patients with complex medical conditions have specific goals that guide their decisions and actions. These may include providing the best possible care, following evidence-based guidelines, managing risks and complications, and balancing competing demands. To build rapport with physicians, you need to understand their goals and align your own goals with them. You can do this by asking questions, listening actively, and acknowledging their expertise and challenges. You can also show your support and appreciation for their work and offer your assistance when needed.

2 Communicate effectively

Communication is key to building rapport with physicians who are treating patients with complex medical conditions. You need to communicate clearly, concisely, and respectfully, using appropriate language and tone. You also need to communicate timely, relevant, and accurate information, and avoid unnecessary interruptions or distractions. You can use various communication tools and methods, such as verbal, written, electronic, or visual, depending on the situation and preference of the physician. You can also use feedback, confirmation, and clarification techniques to ensure mutual understanding and avoid misunderstandings or errors.

3 Collaborate professionally

Collaboration is essential to building rapport with physicians who are treating patients with complex medical conditions. You need to collaborate professionally, respecting the roles and responsibilities of each team member and the autonomy and authority of the physician. You also need to collaborate ethically, following the principles and standards of your profession and the organization. You can demonstrate your collaboration skills by sharing your knowledge and skills, seeking input and advice, respecting opinions and decisions, and resolving conflicts constructively.

4 Empathize personally

Empathy is important to building rapport with physicians who are treating patients with complex medical conditions. You need to empathize personally, recognizing and respecting the emotions and experiences of the physician and the patient. You also need to empathize appropriately, showing compassion and support without being intrusive or judgmental. You can express your empathy by using verbal and non-verbal cues, such as eye contact, nodding, smiling, or touching. You can also use empathic statements, such as "I can see how difficult this is for you" or "I appreciate how hard you are working".

5 Learn continuously

Learning is beneficial to building rapport with physicians who are treating patients with complex medical conditions. You need to learn continuously, updating and expanding your knowledge and skills in your field and in the specific condition of the patient. You also need to learn humbly, acknowledging your limitations and gaps, and seeking feedback and guidance from the physician and other experts. You can show your learning attitude by asking questions, reading articles, attending seminars, or joining online forums. You can also share your learning outcomes and insights with the physician and the team.

6 Adapt flexibly

Adaptability is crucial to building rapport with physicians who are treating patients with complex medical conditions. You need to adapt flexibly, adjusting your behavior and approach according to the needs and preferences of the physician and the patient. You also need to adapt creatively, finding solutions and alternatives to challenges and problems that may arise. You can display your adaptability by being open-minded, flexible, and resourceful. You can also solicit feedback and suggestions from the physician and the team on how to improve your performance and relationship.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?