A medical diagnosis can be life threatening or life changing. For many conditions, the affected might have to live with it for rest of their lives. It often affects the family in many ways including financial, social, emotional and psychological aspects. The stress and anxiety of making decisions without information and guidance can be daunting.
We know from our experience of 24 years of medical practice as doctors in various capacities in different countries that it is not uncommon when affected people and families find themselves up against such challenging and risky situation when it is felt to be less well informed and less supported. The reasons behind this may be several: time restraint on both parties, questions come to mind after the consultation, doubts remain even after consultation, explanation might not be clear enough, or simply not prepared to take all the information in. That is when misinformation paves in and influences the overall outcome for both the sufferers and their families. Trust breaks down; relation between patient and doctor weakens.
Modern healthcare systems fill this gap with allied medical professionals. While they do a great job in supporting the patients and families in various ways, some might still feel a chat with a doctor, outside or within the treating clinical team, may be helpful.
We aim to feel this gap in a constructive way by not only talking with you when you feel you need to speak with a doctor about it, but also by creating a generation of doctors expert in effective clinical communication. We mentor medical students and new doctors to become experts in their chosen field by providing coaching on research, clinical communication and leadership skills. Our services include expert clinical haematology advice, clinical research and smooth transition of international medical graduates into the National Health Service (NHS), UK .