Introduction

We all know how to communicate and we all know how to recognize when communication has failed. Research in human medicine has shown that physicians do not automatically have the specific communications skills required to be effective clinical communicators. The primary objective of this document and corresponding class sessions is to help you be more thoughtful about communications. Ultimately, this will help you gain your client’s trust and cooperation as you work together to do the best for that client’s animals, be that their pet dog, their flock of sheep, or their feedlot cattle.