Turning the tables: Using resident physicians’ experiences as patients for leveraging patient-centered care

Abstract

Training physicians to become person-centered is a primary goal of behavioral health curriculum. We have curriculum on doctor–patient communication skills and patient narratives to help physicians relate to the patient’s experiences. However, there is nothing more effective than actually being the patient that gives providers an “aha” experience of the patient’s perspective. In this article, we will share personal resident physician-patient stories based on their experiences within acute urgent care, chronic disease management, and routine well health care. In each narrative, the physician-patient will describe how their experiences had an impact in three areas: (1) their professional identity, (2) their connection with patients, and (3) their experience of the health-care system and teams. Drawing from the key emotional and cognitive experiences from these stories, we will identify training strategies that can bridge the personal to professional experiences as a way to enhance person-centered care. Our goal is to use the physician’s insider perspective on the patient experience as a means to augment the awareness of professional physician role, team-based care, and navigating the health-care system.