The Art of the Taboo Conversation and Sensitive Feedback

Course Overview

Remember that awkward conversation when you "had to" tell a learner that they had body odor, that their clothing was a little too revealing, or that they were just a bit too "loud or edgy?" Candid conversations about odor, attire, and behavior are very challenging, even for the most seasoned educator. This highly interactive (and entertaining) webinar will be the first step in helping educators to stop sweating about sweating. Educators are uniquely positioned to help shape all facets of a learner's professional identity, including non-clinical aspects. Using the ladder of inference as a theoretical framework (which encourages reflection on one's own unconscious bias and the assumptions we make) will allow for a systematic approach to the delivery of feedback. When done skillfully, this feedback can have long-lasting effects on a physician's career and how others perceive them professionally. Fortunately, the approach to these complex topics is quite similar and easy to apply with a bit of practice.  Essential steps for delivering sensitive feedback will be reviewed and modeled with substantial time devoted to group reflection and discussion. Faculty and administrators will become more comfortable with discussing taboo topics and methods for delivering sensitive feedback effectively. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on challenges they have faced during past experiences, plan strategically for more candid and aligned future discussions, and give feedback for more effective and open conversations.

Speakers

• Michael Rosenblum, MD
• Shannon L. Murawski, MD
• Charles Martin, MD
• Reham Shaaban, DO