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The dialogue between doctors at all levels appears to have waned post pager and particularly post mobile phone usage. As overall communications have suffered, except for formal patient care related issues, the warmth, friendliness and companionship may be easily on the decline. Reminded once at oath taking, the subsequent bonds with peers are largely determined by individual efforts / behaviour towards developing, maintaining and enhancing relationships with colleagues, both formal and informal. Hospital manual followed to the letter and in spirit may ensure that patient care does not get jeopardized on any account, and certainly not out of interpersonal relationship. House staff, registrar, faculty are a link in hospital that must maintain continuity; but beyond 'working relationship' an informal camaraderie matters and can make a difference on / off professional issues. Barriers of ' hierarchy' are fortunately loosening, and 'being informal' is the buzzword of the day. As perceived, college(s) and boards could introduce better communication skills to enhance effective, meaningful and possibly fruitful dialogue at all levels in the healthcare chain.
Prof Murar E Yeolekar, Mumbai. (Fmr Dean, King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, Mumbai).
Re: Tom Nolan’s research reviews—12 January 2023
Dear Editor,
The dialogue between doctors at all levels appears to have waned post pager and particularly post mobile phone usage. As overall communications have suffered, except for formal patient care related issues, the warmth, friendliness and companionship may be easily on the decline. Reminded once at oath taking, the subsequent bonds with peers are largely determined by individual efforts / behaviour towards developing, maintaining and enhancing relationships with colleagues, both formal and informal. Hospital manual followed to the letter and in spirit may ensure that patient care does not get jeopardized on any account, and certainly not out of interpersonal relationship. House staff, registrar, faculty are a link in hospital that must maintain continuity; but beyond 'working relationship' an informal camaraderie matters and can make a difference on / off professional issues. Barriers of ' hierarchy' are fortunately loosening, and 'being informal' is the buzzword of the day. As perceived, college(s) and boards could introduce better communication skills to enhance effective, meaningful and possibly fruitful dialogue at all levels in the healthcare chain.
Prof Murar E Yeolekar, Mumbai. (Fmr Dean, King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, Mumbai).
Competing interests: No competing interests