How to lead difficult conversations with families

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Physicians are trained to cure, or at least treat illnesses to stabilize patients and help them enjoy the highest quality of life possible. Perhaps that’s why many physicians struggle with difficult conversations when the prognosis isn’t good … especially a terminal condition. 

Timothy Short, MD, has been a practicing physician for 33 years – 21 years as a family doctor and a palliative/hospice specialist for the past 12 years. During that time, Dr. Short has developed a deep passion – and compassion – for communicating effectively with patients and families despite situations that are difficult to process. 

In this conversation with host Stan Massey of Transcend Strategy Group, Dr. Short shares very practical yet profound advice on turning difficult discussions into productive goals-of-care conversations. His explanations of tactics and techniques to focus on the person first and their medical condition second may transform your approach to “having the hospice talk” with patients and their families – all while supporting a new definition of hope for them.

Dr. Short is Associate Professor of Palliative Care at University of Virginia Medical Center. In 2019, he was honored with the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award – an annual recognition of one University of Virginia faculty member chosen by the students for exemplary humanistic and compassionate care. Well-deserved, Tim!