Takeaway
What do you do for fun? What brings you joy? Tell me more about yourself . . .
Connecting with Patients | September 16, 2022 | <1 min read
Highlights
"What do you do for fun?"
Dr. Mike Fingerhood, Johns Hopkins Medicine
"What are you most worried could be wrong?"
Dr. Jeff Millstein, Penn Medicine
“Before we talk about why you’re here, tell me a little about yourself.” I like to start my new patient encounters with a “mini social history” to understand who the patient is.
Dr. Howard Liu
In response to anything they offer about themselves, "Tell me more about that," followed by active listening.
Dr. Claire Crawford
“What would you like to focus on today?” “What is your biggest concern?” “How can I help?”
Dr. Marion McCrary
“Before we get into your health concerns can you tell me a sentence or two about who you are?”
Dr. Colleen Christmas, Johns Hopkins Medicine
"What brings you joy?"
Dr. Ambereen Mehta, Johns Hopkins Medicine
“What do you think about that?” This helps me make decisions with the patient and understand their perspective on what I may have just explained or recommended.
Dr. Kavita Chapla, Penn & Johns Hopkins Medicine
“Tell me what you think I should know about you/your situation." And if they start talking about PMHx, redirect to who they are, what’s important to him/her/them.
Dr. Lauren Mazzurco
"Before I ask what is the matter with you, I like to find out what matters most to you."
Dr. David Kopacz, University of Washington
“How can I help you today?”
Dr. Aline Charabaty, Johns Hopkins Medicine
“What do I need to know about you as a person to give you the best care possible?”