It’s about perception not intent,
says coach
Dr. Dawn Martin
DOC TALK
By Stuart Foxman
T
he cases that Dr. Dawn Martin sees can be complex, but often stem from the same condition
– the challenge of connecting.
of us have to work at it,” she says.
Over her career, Dr. Martin has worn several hats. She
started off studying nursing, became a social worker,
and has a PhD in education. Her varied resumé inThat’s the human condition. Interpersonal skills anchor
cludes teaching behavioural science to medical resiany relationships. It’s true within families, among
dents. At the Office of Postgraduate
friends, between colleagues, and cerMedical Education at the University
tainly in doctor-patient encounters.
Often it is not the physi- of Toronto, Dr. Martin is an educa“One of the intrinsic roles of being
tion and curriculum consultant. That
a physician is being a good commucian’s choice to come
involves working on teaching tools,
nicator and collaborator,” says Dr.
see me, so it’s important assisting program directors with educaMartin.
that I create a safe non- tional initiatives, and conducting learner
She helps physicians hone those roles
judgmental place to be support.
in her practice. Some of the physicians she coaches have self-referred,
seen, heard and under- In her private practice, she works with
physicians one-on-one. The sessions inbut many are through referrals from
stood.
corporate guided reflection, role playing,
the CPSO, the Canadian Medical
video and tailored feedback. Dr. Martin
Protective Association and hospitals.
also relies on resources like CPSO poliThe sessions focus on improving these essential skills,
cies, and the CanMEDS and CanMEDS-FM framefrom patient-centred communication to boundaries to
works. While every case differs, she typically spends 5-10
anger management. “Some people are naturally better
hours with each doctor over multiple sessions.
at communicating and building relationships, but most
DIALOGUE • Issue 2, 2014
PRACTICE PARTNER
Individualized
Coaching Lays
Groundwork
for Improved
Communications
29