Communicating Medicine: Evidence-based Strategies for Talking to Patients and the Media

DESCRIPTION: 

As clinicians and scientists, we know that the impact of our work depends not only on the rigor of our research and the quality of our care, but also on our ability to communicate clearly, compassionately, and credibly. Every day, we face the challenge of explaining complex medical information to patients who are scared, overwhelmed, or simply trying to make sense of unfamiliar terms. At the same time, we increasingly find ourselves engaging with journalists, public audiences, and digital media. This talk will highlight practical, research supported techniques clinicians can use immediately in the exam room, a press interview, or a public forum to improve comprehension, strengthen relationships, and reduce misinformation.

SPEAKER: 

Anne R. Cappola, MD, ScM

Professor of Medicine (Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism)

Attending Physician, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

Fellow, Institute on Aging, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Member, Institute for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Member, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Member, Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Executive Director, Penn Medical Communication Research Institute

Director, Division of Geroscience, Gerontology, and Geriatrics, Institute on Aging, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

BIO:

Anne R. Cappola, MD, ScM is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and the Executive Director of the Penn Medical Communication Research Institute. Dr. Cappola is a clinical investigator whose NIH-funded research is focused on hormonal alterations, especially in thyroid function, that occur with aging and the clinical impact of these changes. Dr. Cappola’s research has been recognized by her election to the American Society for Clinical Investigation, the Association of American Physicians, and the Interurban Clinical Club. Dr. Cappola has received the Abbott Thyroid Research Mentor Award from the Endocrine Society, the American Thyroid Association’s Van Meter, Valerie A. Galton, and Woman of the Year awards, and the American Statistical Association Outstanding Statistical Application Award. In addition to authoring more than 200 publications, Dr. Cappola serves as a Senior Editor for JAMA and an Editor of Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. She founded the Penn Medical Communication Research Institute (PMCRI) in 2021. PMCRI is an interdisciplinary institute, fostering collaborations across Penn’s schools with a focus on patient-clinician communication. Dr. Cappola launched a new JAMA series, Communicating Medicine, in 2024.