Connections: Relationship-Centered Communication and Meaning Making in Medicine 060822

Wednesday, June 8, 2022, 8:00 AM - 3:45 PM, Seattle, WA


High quality mutually satisfying medical care depends on conversations. This is true in the exam room, at the bedside, by telephone, email and now, more than ever, via telemedicine. The degree of open exchange and partnership in each conversation influences the accuracy of diagnoses, the level of trust in the relationship, patient follow-through with recommended treatments and symptom improvement. 

We will present and practice communication skills that build relationships and trust, self-reflective practices to increase personal connection to meaning in medicine and professional fulfillment, and build relationship with your Virginia Mason colleagues.

Teaching methods include lecture, small group sessions and simulation.

1. Review the components of the clinical interview.
2. Utilize techniques to efficiently navigate each clinical interview component with the patient.
3. Recognize the benefit of connecting with peers and colleagues to share examples and stories.
4. Identify best practice interview techniques to use when experiencing negative emotions or reactions.
5. Apply self-reflection and other techniques to remain calm and engaged during your patient interaction.
6. Demonstrate a deeper understanding of the provider-patient relationship in future interactions.

This activity is only open to Virginia Mason Medical Center staff.



The Virginia Mason Medical Center is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Virginia Mason Medical Center designates this live activity for a maximum of 6.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ (6.00 hours), Non-Physician Attendance (6.00 hours)

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

Virginia Mason Medical Center adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers or others are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.