Shikha Jain: At the heart of excellent care is the doctor-patient relationship
Shikha Jain, Founder and President of Women in Medicine and Women In Medicine Summit, shared on LinkedIn:
“I just wrapped up a week on inpatient oncology service, and it reminded me — once again — why I love working in academic medicine. Teaching residents, fellows, and medical students brings an incredible sense of purpose and joy to my work. Some of the most valuable lessons don’t come from formal lectures, but from the everyday moments — discussing a complex case at the bedside, debriefing after a difficult conversation, or exploring ethical questions during rounds.
These interactions not only shape the next generation of physicians but also remind me of the privilege we have in caring for patients during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.
Medicine can be overwhelming. The emotional and cognitive demands are real, but having the right team — one that values communication, collaboration, and respect — can make all the difference. A strong, cohesive team not only supports each other but also creates a safer, more compassionate space for patients.
At the heart of excellent care is the doctor-patient relationship. Building trust — through listening, honesty, and consistency — is just as important as the treatments we prescribe. That trust is built over time, through every conversation, every question answered, and every moment we show up with compassion and respect.
As physicians, it’s not enough to teach the science. We have to model the art of medicine — the importance of empathy, communication, and teamwork. These are the skills that transform good care into exceptional care, and these are the lessons I hope to pass along to every learner I work with.”
More posts featuring Shikha Jain.
-
Challenging the Status Quo in Colorectal Cancer 2024
December 6-8, 2024
-
ESMO 2024 Congress
September 13-17, 2024
-
ASCO Annual Meeting
May 30 - June 4, 2024
-
Yvonne Award 2024
May 31, 2024
-
OncoThon 2024, Online
Feb. 15, 2024
-
Global Summit on War & Cancer 2023, Online
Dec. 14-16, 2023