Effective communication with consultants is an essential skill for medical students and residents. Knowing how to present patient cases concisely and clearly can make all the difference in ensuring patients receive the appropriate care. In this episode of Med Students Over Easy, hosts Molly and Patricia are joined by Marco Propersi, Steven Nazario, and George Willis to discuss the best approaches, tips, and tricks for calling consultants as 3rd and 4th-year medical students.
Introduce and Summarize
When reaching out to a consultant, it is important to start by succinctly introducing yourself. For example, “Hi, I’m student doctor ____. I’m calling from the ABC Emergency Department, and I have a patient I need your help with.” Immediately follow up by asking if it’s a good time for them to talk. This respectful approach sets the stage for a productive conversation. Next, lead with the punch line to capture their attention: “John Doe in bed 12 has CT evidence of appendicitis.” This ensures the consultant knows the primary concern right away.
Providing Detailed Information
Once you have their attention, offer to provide more details about the history and physical examination findings: “He’s a 28-year-old male who presented with RLQ pain. He has had X, Y, and Z for three days, and his symptoms have progressively worsened.” Thoroughly describe your physical exam findings, including vitals, and any relevant lab results. Conclude with a clear request: “I would really appreciate it if you could come to take a look.” This structured approach helps ensure you convey all necessary information efficiently and leaves no critical details unaddressed.
Handling Challenges and Establishing Rapport
When a consultant refuses to see or admit a patient, it’s important to handle the situation professionally. As a student, defer to your resident or attending physician to manage any disagreements. If you’re a resident, you can push back respectfully by reiterating your concerns and explaining why you believe the patient needs the consultant’s attention. For example, you might say, “In my teaching, we are told that this diagnosis needs XYZ treatment. I’m not sure if that is going to be realistic for my patient because of…” However, if the consultant remains firm, escalate the issue to your attending.
Throughout the interaction, be sure to establish rapport by asking, “What else would you like to know?” This shows your willingness to provide comprehensive information and collaborate effectively. Lastly, always thank the consultant for their time at the end of the conversation, demonstrating professionalism and appreciation for their time. Through each of these steps, you can navigate challenging situations with consultants while maintaining a respectful and effective communication style.
Take-Home Points:
- Lead with the main point so the consultant knows what information to prioritize.
- Be thoroughly informed about the patient case you are calling about
- Be organized and concise– Clearly state the question you are asking and specify if you are seeking their opinion or if you need them to come down to examine the patient.
About Our Guests:
Vice Chair and Associate Program Director, Nuvance Health Emergency Medicine Residency Program at Vassar Brothers Medical Center
Program Director, AdventHealth East Orlando EM Residency Program
Associate Program Director, Vice Chair of Faculty Development, UT San Antonio
References:
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