Introduction
Margaret Root Kustritz
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.
Why Is This Important to Me?
“In alumni surveys, communication skills and dealing with clients were listed as the most important skills for success in veterinary practice and interpersonal skills were recognized as the main selection criterion used for selecting new graduates.”[1]
- Reference: Shaw, Jane R. and Lagoni, Laurel. (2007.) “End-of-Life Communication in Veterinary Medicine: Delivering Bad News and Euthanasia Decision Making”. Veterinary Clinics Small Animal Practice, Volume 37. Pages 95-108. Elsevier Inc. ↵