Earlier this week, I gave a a free live webinar on communication in multi-sector collaborations, in conjunction with Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, and the Region 2 Public Health Training Center. It was called “Building BRIDGES: Understanding our Position in Multi-Sector Communication.” What do I mean by Building BRIDGES? BRIDGES is a working metaphor, and much more. BRIDGES is […]
Introducing: the Building BRIDGES approach
About two weeks ago, I was talking to a former colleague of mine in higher ed about my podcast series, 10 Minutes to Better Patient Communication. Knowing my background is not in healthcare, he asked, with some surprise, “You have 45 episodes? On different topics?” “Yes,” I said proudly. “New one every 2 weeks.” The […]
Tackling some structural issues in interprofessional communication
Interprofessional communication is all the rage these days! No, seriously, if you want to get work done on big problems, it means talking to people outside your hallway. In this episode, you’ll learn some of the structural issues that can get in the way of interprofessional communication. And how to address them, so you can get […]
How common terminology may perpetuate mental health stigma
A few weeks ago, I read a tweet from Dr. Javeed Sukhera about terminology and mental health. The tweet had ‘gone viral,’ and it’s stayed in my mind since then. Next time someone says "mental health" what if we took out "mental" and just said "health?" "I need time off for my health." "I need […]
How ordinary conversations in healthcare may contribute to health disparities
Can ordinary language undermine equity? Research has shown that health care providers can unintentionally contribute to health disparities. In this episode, we’ll take a look at the role that ordinary, everyday language can play in health disparities, and what you can do about it. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Recent research has shown how public health, medical care, […]
4 ways to help resist a deficit perspective
Deficit perspectives are sneaky. Maybe the better word is ‘insidious.’ They can worm their way quietly into our work. And when there, they do real damage. Maybe you’ve heard the term. If not, it’s a tendency to maintain a focus on negative instances, examples, or qualities. Like seeing patients as passive recipients. Or centering on what […]