Seasoned clinicians have much to offer in the way of patient experience and clinician joy in medicine. They have had multiple mentors, teachers and role models over time with some of these being patients for whom they have provided care. These colleagues are a valuable and valued resource from whom we can all learn ways to improve our daily interactions with patients and their families, in a way that is personally rewarding and enjoyable. The insightful and thoughtful statements that follow are from one of our cardiologists, Dr. James Lee. I hope that you find them as inspiring and uplifting as I do.

“I try to do what’s right for my patients” and include them in decision making.

“I try to be caring and kind and I think they appreciate that and the outcome is better.”

“…and it’s fun, because the patients are happy, the staff is enjoying the day and so am I!”

One has to practice good medicine “but that can be done in a kind, caring, compassionate way that’s fun.”

“You have to relate to some patients differently from others.”

“I try to treat each patient as best I can with the best care.”

“Some of my patients are MIT professors and others are not well-educated, but also very smart.”

“I had a lot of good mentors and tried to learn something from each of them; even if it was something that I did not want to emulate. In fact, I had one mentor who wasn’t the best from a medical knowledge standpoint but who was great with patients! His patients trusted him.”

“You can’t always make the patient happy, but you can do the right thing and then present it in a compassionate manner.”

Dr. Lee’s statements ring true and convey wisdom and experience. He mentions “fun” twice. Implementing fun and joy into our day-to-day practice is a wonderful way to also take care of ourselves while we care for our patients and their families. At Valley, mission is “caring for our community like family.” As you can read above, Dr. Lee strives to do exactly that, and his reflections provide a roadmap and inspiration for us all!

What is Clinician Coaching here at VMC?

The coaching experience is quite an informal and enjoyable collaboration. As the Clinician Coach here at VMC, I am available to help identify strengths and opportunities for enhancement in your patient communications. Typically, I will shadow a clinician for a few hours while they see patients. In between appointments or briefly afterwards, we highlight some of the successful behaviors that the clinician already displays. Additionally, we explore other patient communication ”best practices” and discuss how the clinician might incorporate some of them into everyday interactions with their patients.

To set up a coaching meeting, write to Scott_Morris@valleymed.org or you can call me on my cell phone at 847.707.7714. I will also be reaching out to all new clinicians as part of our New Clinician Orientation program.