Communication is the cornerstone of healthcare whether to provide patient care or work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary approach. They aren’t skills you learn by reading a book but rather a collective of experiences. Most of the diagnosis is in the history and physical exam, as such communication is a pivotal component of every patient encounter. Those skills are transcultural and not bound by borders. However, understanding the cultural differences and practices is crucial for effective communication with patients, their families and healthcare professionals alike. As medical students, there has been a strong emphasis on communication throughout our medical education; however, we each have our own unique experiences that frame our perspective. Having spent the past two years in the hospital, we have worked with a variety of physicians and healthcare professionals, each with a different communication method some positive and others negative. It has given us the  knowledge and experience to hone certain skills, and disregard others that have negatively impacted patient care. 

Abdallah Tom, Karen John and Gabriella Andrews are three senior medical students with almost 2 years of experience in a clinical setting both in Qatar and the United States. They will be sharing their experiences to highlight the importance of communication in healthcare in the Middle East. Join us to learn more about the students’ perspective from senior medical students.