For this episode we had the pleasure and privilege of learning from Dr. Anthony Back, one of the leading pioneers in the field of clinical communication. Dr. Back is a physician at Colorectal Services at UW Medical Center, co-director of the UW Center for Excellence in Palliative Care and a UW Professor of Oncology and Medicine as well as an Adjunct Professor of Bioethics and Humanities. Dr. Back was the principal investigator for the Oncotalk interventions, he co-wrote Mastering Communications with Seriously Ill Patients, and he co-founded the mobile app VitalTalk for improving clinician communication skills. 

In our conversation, Dr. Back shared his masterful wisdom on the topics of developing communication skills, the essential types of knowledge for an effective physician, and among other topics, how to navigate a successful career path.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Wisdom in Oncology with Dr. Back. We hope you take advantage of Dr. Back’s advice and resources for developing premier communication skills and excellence in service to the patient. 

Talking Points: 

• Why Dr. Back chose to work on the issue of clinician communication 
• The most important lesson for residents: Communication is something you learn 
• Negativity and shaming is the opposite of effective communication 
• Using the app VitalTalk to improve communication skills for various scenarios (www.vitaltalk.org) 
• The three aspects of wisdom for physicians to learn 
• Providing dignity to terminal patients 
• Being guided by the question, “What gives you energy?” 
• Your career = The combination of your opportunities and interests
• You are you most important resource