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Democrats, Republicans, liberal, conservative, red, blue, anti-vax, Medicare-for-all, impeachment, fake news, Bills vs. Patriots: all words that can elicit emotions and sometimes eliminate true conversations. Finding common ground and carrying on a rational conversation to look for gray areas seems to be getting lost these days. Recognizing other people’s perception and feelings is a difficult task at times and really takes effort.
While it would be wonderful to take on these highly charged phrases head-on in this issue of the Osteopathic Family Physician, instead, I would like to introduce you to the excellent articles contained within that may help facilitate conversation with fellow Osteopathic physicians and your patients. Communication skills are at the heart of Osteopathic medicine, and I am pleased that we are highlighting these topics.
In his article, Dr. Collins helps with the conversation about care outside of the office. Determining the patient’s level of knowledge about medical services provided in the home is important to provide the optimal care for that patient. A conversation about the HPV vaccination with patients is even more critical these days, given recent reports attributing an increase in head and neck cancers to the virus. Being able to speak logically about this cancer-preventing vaccine can only improve patient perception regarding this treatment.
Be sure to review the remainder of the issue and speak to others about the clinical image and a review of calcium pyrophosphate disease. Of course, the patient handouts at the end are always a great way to reinforce positive communication with patients.
As 2019 comes to a close, enjoy a football game with friends – or maybe rivals – and discover the joy of conversation again!
Copyright© 2019 by the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians. All rights reserved. Print ISSN: 1877-573X