Physician-patient communication begins long before the actual encounter. Even before entering the consultation room, patients search for information, solutions, and reference points; this process opens the path toward building trust and shaping expectations. From that very moment, the ethos of the future professional relationship begins to take form an essential foundation in medical practice.

Many scholars in the field of medical humanities argue that truly understanding the patient requires integrating the cultural, moral, and human dimensions of their experience. Medical communication thus becomes the most fluid bridge between the medical sciences and the humanities. Through narrative, dialogue, and active listening, healthcare professionals are able to make more effective decisions under conditions of uncertainty and to tailor treatments more appropriately to each individual.

The course Knowledge and Academic Communication is designed to support future healthcare professionals in developing fundamental communication skills, both in the academic environment and in their relationships with patients and the wider community. Students will explore the limits and promises of communication, the impact of different forms of knowledge accessible in the digital society, as well as current topics in health risk communication.

The course content covers essential themes: concepts and theories of communication; the communication process and the particularities of academic and professional discourse; communication techniques and skills; persuasion and information strategies; and forms of public communication. Special emphasis is placed on health risk communication, an indispensable component of contemporary medical practice.

By the end of the semester, students will be able to:

• develop interpersonal and public communication plans;
• apply the standards of academic communication in their interactions with patients and colleagues;
• use modern research tools and digital technologies;
• cultivate skills for multidisciplinary teamwork and empathetic communication. 

Dear students,

In the course Knowledge and Academic Communication, you will learn about:

• the foundations of communication and their role in professional relationships;
• how to construct clear and effective messages;
• techniques of persuasion and information;
• how to speak in public and work in teams;
• how to manage delicate situations, including risk communication. 

What are the benefits for you?

• You will develop the confidence to speak and write clearly, accurately, and persuasively.
• You will be able to design communication plans for both face-to-face interactions and public presentations or projects.
• You will learn how to apply academic and ethical standards while remaining empathetic in your relationship with patients.

How will we achieve these outcomes?

Through:

1. Lectures and practical applications, including role-plays and case analyses;

2. Individual and team projects that will allow you to apply the concepts directly.

Continuous assessment will ensure that your progress is visible step by step. We will evaluate your activity throughout the semester, as well as your individual and team projects. The final grade is based on:

• the development of an original material (campaign/presentation) – 50%;
• a portfolio of assignments and seminar role-plays – 50%. 

By the end of the course, you will gain not only knowledge, but also concrete communication tools that will help you make a difference in your medical career.

The course Knowledge and Academic Communication prepares you to navigate confidently between the demands of academic life and the responsibilities of the medical profession, guided by clear, rigorous, and empathetic communication.

With best wishes,

Professor Xenia Negrea

References:

• Theresa L. Thompson (Ed.). (2021). The Routledge Handbook of Health Communication (2nd ed.). Routledge.
• Danielle Ofri (2020). When We Do Harm: A Doctor Confronts Medical Error. Beacon Press.
• World Health Organization (2022). Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) Strategy.
• Brian G. Southwell, Thorson, E., & Sheble, L. (2020). Misinformation and Mass Audiences. University of Texas Press.
• Joshua Schimel (2024). Writing Science in Plain English. Oxford University Press.
• Eric Topol (2023 edition). Deep Medicine: How Artificial Intelligence Can Make Healthcare Human Again. Basic Books.