Communication in your department and beyond

Abstract

Technical skills and clinical acumen are necessary for success in a surgical career. However, these skills alone are not sufficient. A surgeon’s emotional intelligence and ability to communicate, manage conflict, and cultivate relationships may be even more critical to success. Health care environments are increasingly complex. An individual surgeon’s or surgical department’s success depends highly on the teams around them, including anesthesia, nursing, hospital administration, clinic teams, and many more. The surgeon’s ability to communicate across the organization and lead by influence is critical.