Developing Effective Communication & Relationships
Healthcare is a fast-paced, high-emotion place to work. Resources are often scarce or inadequate. Power differentials are everywhere as are competing egos. Roles are often vague and overlapping, leading to confusion. System problems are routine and pervasive, yet day to day performance expectations remain high. It's not easy to maintain balance. I provide a non-judgemental, empathetic space where physicians are heard and can explore challenging feedback. We find and develop the right solutions together to bring healthy communication and balance back into practice.
Hi there.
I'm Dr. Dawn Martin.
I have listened to thousands of physicians, healthcare teams, and medical trainees' stories over the years. I have come to the conclusion that hospitals can be like a high school on steroids.
Physicians are held to a high account. They are the MRP – ‘Most Responsible Person’ in the room. In my experience, it is not clinical competence that causes problems, but relationship competence. Most training programs, despite good intentions, do not adequately socialize or skill build in this area. I will help you navigate these problems safely and with compassion to find solutions.
Areas of Focus
Communication
Patient-centered communication between patients and families (therapeutic relationships, conveying information, nonverbal communication)
Communication specific content (sexual history, informed consent)
Challenging communication scenarios (angry or demanding patients)
Language (correct phrasing, tense, word choice)
Documentation
Collaboration
Enhancing interactions with health care teams
Understanding professional roles and responsibilities
Self-awareness and self-regulation in the workplace
Strategies for promoting understanding, managing differences, and resolving conflict
Relational Awareness and management
Psychological safety
Development
Supervising and leading others
Allegations of disruptive behavior
Physician health and well-being (burnout, transitions, career planning, lifestyle behavior change, stress management)
Boundary concerns
Organizational awareness and management
Managing anger in the workplace
Explore Feedback, Safely.
I am highly empathetic to those working in a medical context. I do not sit in judgement. We have all been one story away from being written off, including myself. Most of us have good intentions and can be unaware of the impact we are having on others. Unfortunately, the consequence of not getting along can have a detrimental impact on patient safety and morale.
Wherever you find yourself in challenging situations, I can help you explore these problems in a safe environment and establish healthy resolutions, patterns, and behaviours.
Background
PhD, Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, OISE/University of Toronto
Master of Education with a Health Specialization, OISE/University of
Toronto
Master of Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University, Registered Social Worker
Advisor, Dimensions, psychedelic assisted therapy retreats
Private Practice
Referral sources include: College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario/Nova Scotia/Manitoba, Canadian Medical Protective Association, hospital leadership, self
Contact Me
Book a Consultation
Resources
Contact
Email: dawn@dawnmartin.ca
LinkedIn: dawnmartin
© Dawn Martin 2020
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