Just one look

Communication is important in all aspects of life, although in few situations as important as those in which we find ourselves as healthcare professionals. I had always considered communication to be one of my stronger skills, but role playing and patient contact in my medical training has forced me to reflect on my interpersonal skills. Despite being only a short way into my course I have experienced many poignant moments that have caused deep reflection, although none more than the example below, which will remain with me for the rest of my career.

During a clinical placement in an emergency department I witnessed an extremely distressed woman …