The latest episode of CPSBC’s Connecting the Dots podcast is now available. Through an interview with Dr. Karen Shklanka, this episode provides strategies for managing patient expectations, such as when a patient arrives with a firm idea of a diagnosis or a request for a specific test.
Dr. Shklanka brings more than a decade of experience in both rural and urban family medicine, as well as expertise as an addiction and pain medicine consultant. She currently holds the positions of lead faculty for behavioural medicine and clinical assistant professor at the Vancouver-Fraser Site of UBC’s Family Practice Program, where she was honored with the Vancouver-Fraser Resident Teaching Award in 2020.
During this conversation, Dr. Shklanka shares effective communication strategies for working with patients who arrive with strong diagnostic expectations, validating patient’s perspectives without agreeing to inappropriate or unnecessary interventions, and helping conversations get back on track. She also discusses the role self-compassion plays when managing frustration or conflict. Future resources on this topic will be available on CPSBC’s website.
Earlier episodes of Connecting the Dots, along with links to listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music can be found here. New episodes will be also announced in the College Connector or by email.
Questions or feedback about Connecting the Dots can be directed to communications@cpsbc.ca.