For years, I watched my colleagues—and myself—operate under an outdated, paternalistic

model of care. We were the authority, the decision-makers. However, in an era

where patients can access a world of information online, I’ve learned that this

approach is not just ineffective; it’s the primary reason doctors lose the

trust and loyalty of the people they treat. In this episode, I want to share a

fundamental shift in my philosophy, a move from seeing “patients” to seeing

“people.” It’s a change that has transformed my practice, improved treatment

outcomes, and rebuilt the most critical element in healthcare: the

doctor-patient relationship.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• The #1 Reason Doctors Fail: It’s not a lack of competence, but a failure to connect.

I’ll explain why the traditional doctor-patient dynamic is broken and what we can do to fix it.

• Shared Decision-Making in Practice: I’ll break down the “interpretive” model of care,

inspired by Atul Gawande’s work in Being Mortal, and show you how to transition

from an authority figure to an educator and guide.

• A Framework for True Patient Education: My primary role is not to decide for you,

but to educate you. I will share my exact framework for discussing risks,

benefits, costs, alternatives, and prognoses that will empower you to make the

best decision for your own health.

• The Power of Being Informed: Through a deeply personal story about my own mother’s

end-of-life care, I’ll illustrate the profound impact—both positive and

negative—that patient education can have on families and outcomes.

My Guiding Principle: Education Over Persuasion

I’ve come to a simple, powerful conclusion: I don’t care what decision a person makes

about their treatment, as long as they are thoroughly and honestly educated

about their options. When we empower people with comprehensive information, we

earn their trust and they become active partners in their own health journey.

This episode isn’t just about a new way to practice medicine; it’s about a more

human way to care for people.

Join me as I explore how we can all foster better health outcomes, not through authority,

but through authentic connection and education. Whether you are a healthcare provider

seeking to improve patient acceptance and satisfaction, or a patient

wanting to feel more empowered in your healthcare journey, this conversation is

for you.

Mentioned in this episode:

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