Inadequate communication is the underlying reason for a significant portion of patient dissatisfaction with care, which in turn may lead to malpractice claims. This intensive program will provide tools to help physicians improve their communication skills and increase patient satisfaction.

The program will begin with an individualized needs assessment, followed by three interactive educational sessions, a short, focused performance improvement project, and a post-program skills assessment. Program elements include small group discussions and skill-building workshops; use of simulated patients, self-evaluations, and online learning modules.

Classroom Dates:
SESSION I –Saturday, December 2, 2006
SESSION II – Saturday, January 20, 2007
SESSION III – Saturday, March 3, 2007

Participation in all three sessions is required of all registrants.

Who should attend:
The program is suitable for physicians who desire to improve their communication skills, including those who wish to improve their effectiveness and levels of satisfaction among patients.

Course Director:
Robin Richman, MD, FACOG
Director of OBGYN Services
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
Associate Clinical Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Tufts University School of Medicine

Program Faculty:
• Warren Ferguson, MD, Associate Chair for Commonwealth Medicine, Family Medicine and Community Health; Assistant Professor of Medicine, UMass Medical School
• David Hatem, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, UMass Medical School;
Associate Director, Community Faculty Development Center
• Zeev Neuwirth, MD, Chief of Internal Medicine, Kenmore Center, Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates; Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine
• Mary Philbin, EdM, Instructor and Director of Faculty Development, Department of Medicine, UMass Medical School Community Faculty Development Center
• Mark Quirk, EdD, Professor and Associate Chair, Family Medicine and Community Health; Assistant Dean for Academic Achievement, UMass Medical School; Director, Community Faculty Development Center
• Susan Starr, MEd, Assistant Professor and Education Specialist, Department of Pediatrics, UMass Medical School Community Faculty Development Center

Accreditation:
Tufts University School of Medicine (TUSM) is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. TUSM designates this educational activity for a maximum of 24 Category 1 credits toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those credits that he/she actually spent in the activity. Of the 24 Category 1 credits, a maximum of 24 hours of instruction are designated for risk management credit.


ADA/OEO:
Tufts University School of Medicine (TUSM) considers all applicants and program participants without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religious creed, sex or sexual orientation. TUSM is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We encourage participation by all individuals. If you have a disability and are in need of special accommodations, please inform THCI by Friday, April 8, so that we may better serve you.

Conflict of Interest:
Faculty members are required to report any existing, significant financial interest in, or other relationship(s) with the manufacturer(s) of commercial product(s) or commercials services discussed in this educational activity, including the commercial supporters of this program. This information will be made available at the program.

Sponsor:
Tufts University School of Medicine

Collaborators:
Tufts Health Care Institute
University of Massachusetts Medical School