From Susan Smyth, M.D., Ph.D., dean of the UAMS College of Medicine:
Looking back at some of the patient comments that have been shared with me this past summer, I am again once again struck by how much excellent physician communication skills matter. While clinical expertise is vital, so many patients focus their praise on what their doctor and other care providers said and how they made the patient feel even when circumstances were difficult. Here are some examples.
“Dr. Matt Steliga and Patricia Franklin (APRN) were outstanding … so easy to talk to. Just genuine through and through.”
“I was exceptionally fortunate to have Dr. Katie Kimbrough as the head of the surgical team who took care of me. What made this a unique experience is that she did not talk to me or at me, but with me. Together we discussed the various options, and together we came up with a care plan. Including me in the decision process has made this a plan I am truly comfortable with.”