When Science Speaks is a web series profiling innovative and interesting people working in science and technical fields - from academia, to industry, to the non-profit world. Mark and his guests explore: how to be a powerhouse advocate for science and your research; how to advance your career in meaningful ways that make you happy; how to push back on the assault on science; and other related issues of interest happening in the world. You can listen and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite app or podcast player.
Communicating Facts and Feelings to Effectively Care for Cancer Patients with Erika Ramsdale, M.D.
In this week's episode, we delve into the crucial art of communication in the practice of medicine with Erika Ramsdale. As a geriatric oncologist and the writer of a poignant, powern Modern Love submission published in the The New York Times' "Modern Love" column, Dr. Ramsdale shares her unique perspective on effectively communicating with cancer patients. Discover how storytelling serves as a powerful tool to balance the raw emotion and hard facts involved in patient care.
Key Topics Discussed:
The Power of Communication in Oncology
Understanding the dynamic interplay between facts and feelings in patient interactions.
Insights from Modern Love
How Dr. Ramsdale's personal experiences and emotional awareness enhance her medical practice, exemplified through her Modern Love essay titled "My dog had trust issues. So did I. Enter Kevin".
Navigating Uncertainty
The importance of addressing emotional responses and fostering trust in the physician-patient relationship, particularly when delivering complex medical information.
The Role of Storytelling
Exploring storytelling as a method to convey difficult truths while connecting deeply with patients. Dr. Ramsdale reveals how sharing personal narratives can break down barriers and enhance understanding.
Building Relationships Through Vulnerability
Reflecting on how showing vulnerability can lead to stronger connections and more effective communication, ultimately improving patient care.
Coping with Misinformation in the Digital Age
Strategies for communicating effectively amidst the challenges of misinformation and the erosion of public trust in science.
Featured Keywords:
Emotion: The significance of recognizing and addressing emotions when communicating with cancer patients.
Facts: Balancing factual information with compassionate communication to enhance patient understanding.
Communication: Effective methods for conveying complex medical information in an accessible manner.
Cancer: Insights specific to the oncology field and the unique challenges of communicating cancer diagnoses and treatment options.
Storytelling: Leveraging personal stories to enrich patient interactions and create a supportive environment.
Guest Bio:
Erica Ramsdale, M.D. is a dedicated geriatric oncologist, NIH-funded researcher. Her moving essay, "My dog had trust issues. So did I. Enter Kevin", was published in The New York Times' Modern Love column. Dr. Ramsdale's work emphasizes the intersection of emotional intelligence and effective communication in the medical field, particularly concerning the challenges faced by older adults with cancer.
Listen Now:
Join us for this powerful conversation about the vital role of emotional and narrative elements in medical communication. Tune in to learn how to better support cancer patients through understanding, empathy, and storytelling.
Follow Us:
For more episodes on the intersection of science and human experience, subscribe to "When Science Speaks" and connect with us on social media.
10 Jan 2025TRANSCRIPT
Mastering High-Stakes Scientific Presentations with Tae Seok Moon, Ph.D.
Host [Host Name] interviews Tae Seok Moon, Ph.D., Full Professor at the J. Craig Venter Institute, on mastering impactful scientific presentations and overcoming communication barriers to engage diverse audiences.
6 Dec 2024TRANSCRIPT
Transforming Science Communication and Policy: with Joana Magalhães, Ph.D.
Host Mark Bayer interviews Joana Magalhães, Ph.D., about her innovative approaches to science communication and community engagement, revealing how relatable science impacts policy.
Inside a recent episode
Communicating Facts and Feelings to Effectively Care for Cancer Patients with Erika Ramsdale, M.D.
Published 14 Feb 2025 · Transcript excerpt
[…] So when we're facing each other, when I'm facing a patient, and we've developed the sense that we're in it together, a lot of the sphere response goes away. Goes away in me, I see it going away in the patient, and I used to think I had to have all the answers as a physician, and then my patients would lose faith in me. If I say I don't know, they'd mistrust me, and I found out that it's actually the opposite. If I say I don't know, and I show this vulnerability and humility, this actually increases trust, and I think that holds probably across a lot of scenarios. And so that may not work in every medium, or every situation where I live in this one -on -one world, that's what I see. […]
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