Dying for a Chat: Penguin Special

Effective communication is crucial in healthcare, according to medical oncologist Ranjana Srivastava. She highlights a growing crisis where patients struggle to understand complex treatment options and often self-diagnose, leading to unnecessary procedures. Doctors, feeling pressured, may overlook the holistic view of a patient's health due to narrow specialization. Srivastava argues that this disconnect can result in severe consequences for patients. She calls for a transformation in healthcare training to prioritize communication skills, emphasizing the need for better conversations between doctors and patients.