ABSTRACT
In addition to being able to give effective talks at medical meetings and being talented enough to be able to write medical articles that are acceptable for publication by medical journals, physicians also need appropriate communication skills to allow them to discuss worrisome medical problems with patients in a clear and forthright manner. Good relationships between doctors and patients have long been recognized as critical alliances by the medical profession, but now seem to be honored more frequently in the breach than in the doing by some physicians. Some hospitals and medical centers are now beginning to ask their patients to rate their physician's communication skills and availability, as well as the technical aspects of the care that they received as patients. Some medical institutions now even include provisions for added physician reimbursements, or bonuses, tied to performance targets set by the medical institution.
