An Introduction and a Handshake
My number one piece of advice for graduating dermatologists is connect with your patients. Connect well. Learn about them, learn a little bit about their personal life, their family and that really helps cement your therapeutic connection. The other thing is, sit down! When you go in a room, sit down and listen to your patient. The other thing I like to do, which I think it very helpful, is when you shake hands, introduce yourself to someone for the first time (you’re brand new) don’t say ‘I’m Dr. Jones’ say ‘Hi, I’m Bob Jones’. Because that brings it on a more personal level and the patients then think of you as part of a therapeutic team as opposed to the professional dictating their therapy.
