Succeed in Medicine #437 - Mastering Difficult Patient Conversations with Dr. Rob Orman
Every physician has those patient conversations they’d rather avoid, the ones that drain energy and feel like a constant struggle. But what if there was a way to make them easier and more effective? In this episode, Dr. Rob Orman shares how scripting your least favorite conversations can help you stay in control, set boundaries with compassion, and reduce emotional fatigue.
Dr. Bradley Block and Dr. Rob Orman dive into key frameworks that can help you approach difficult conversations with confidence, including the “Yes, No, Yes” method—affirming concerns, setting boundaries, and providing alternatives, how to identify the conversations that exhaust you the most (and how to script them), the mindset shift from “I have knowledge to give” to “the patient has knowledge I need to understand”, why physicians often speak in logic, while patients respond to emotion—and how to bridge the gap and techniques from hostage negotiation that can help physicians communicate more effectively
If you’ve ever found yourself dreading certain discussions, whether it’s refusing antibiotics for a viral infection or setting expectations for pain management this episode gives you a roadmap to navigate them with ease and confidence.
Three Actionable Takeaways:
- Yes, No, Yes Framework – Start with an internal ‘yes’ to your values, set clear boundaries with a ‘no,’ and end with a constructive ‘yes’ offering alternatives that align with good medicine.
- Shift from Logic to Emotion – Patients often respond more to emotional validation than pure facts. Acknowledge concerns before explaining the medical reasoning.
- Unearth the Real Concern – Patients don’t always verbalize their true fears. Use open-ended questions to uncover the question behind the question, building trust and addressing the root issue.
About the Show: The Physician Guide to Doctoring covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for the real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!
About the Guest:
Dr. Rob Orman is an emergency medicine physician, performance coach, and the producer of the Stimulus Podcast. He specializes in helping physicians navigate high-stakes environments, overcome burnout, and improve their careers. With years of experience in emergency medicine, he focuses on practical strategies for difficult patient conversations and resilience in medical practice. He co-runs his podcast and coaching business with his wife, Melissa, and offers various free resources on communication, mindset, and professional growth.
Socials and Website:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-orman-md-78518238
https://roborman.com/about/106-2/
https://www.instagram.com/emergencypdx/?hl=en
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5yWVgldIp7TFVQXAc1Cltw
About Host – Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He earned his medical degree from SUNY Buffalo in 2006 and completed his residency at Georgetown University Hospital in 2011. Dr. Block specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. He also hosts the "Physician's Guide to Doctoring" podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians.
Did you know…
You can also be a guest on our show? Please email me at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more about the show!
Socials:
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Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow!
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.