The practice of medicine is both a science and an art. Because of rapid advances in the science of medicine and the never-ending emergence of new technologies the art of medicine has been marginalized. Medical schools and senior doctors assume that medical students and young doctors will somehow develop an effective “bedside manner” in the course of their training.

Topics covered include:

• Learning About and Dealing With Your Own Emotions
• Learning About Warmth, Interest, Respect, Empathy and Support
• Information Gathering Skills – a patient-centred interview
• Information Giving Skills
• A Patient-centred Interview in Six Minutes
• Preparing Patients for Physical Examinations and Invasive Procedures
• Motivating & Assessing Adherence to Treatment and Life-style Changes
• How to Give Bad News
• Living with Chronic Pains
• Communicating with Colleagues