Chapter 4 Interpersonal and Communication Skills
Communication is an integral component of physician skills and is a competency in which physicians must excel. Indeed, the interaction between patient and doctor is itself an important part of the healing process. Without properly developed interpersonal skills, medical knowledge cannot be applied to patient care, nor can one make the system work effectively for one’s patient.
The Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education has defined the competency of interpersonal and communication skills as follows: “Residents must be able to demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that result in effective information exchange and teaming with patients, their patients” families, and professional associates.”1
