Editors' note: Difficult conversations in neurology: Lessons learned from medical students

Abstract

In “Education Research: Difficult conversations in neurology: Lessons learned from medical students,” Lemmon et al. studied medical student exposure to difficult conversations during a neurology core clerkship. They found that difficult conversations are common in neurology, and represent a valuable opportunity to provide communication skills training on the wards. Commenting on the paper, Dr. Lukas wonders whether participation in difficult conversations across a range of specialties cumulatively builds comfort and expertise in the trainee. Dr. Lukas suggests that the environment of the conversation may also play a role and serve as a learning opportunity for other clinical skills. Authors Lemmon et al. agree and add that quality may be as important as quantity based on the fact that, in their study, students indicated that one influential mentored conversation can have the impact of numerous witnessed experiences. In “Education Research: Difficult conversations in neurology: Lessons learned from medical students,” Lemmon et al. studied medical student exposure to difficult conversations during a neurology core clerkship. They found that difficult conversations are common in neurology, and represent a valuable opportunity to provide communication skills training on the wards. Commenting on the paper, Dr. Lukas wonders whether participation in difficult conversations across a range of specialties cumulatively builds comfort and expertise in the trainee. Dr. Lukas suggests that the environment of the conversation may also play a role and serve as a learning opportunity for other clinical skills. Authors Lemmon et al. agree and add that quality may be as important as quantity based on the fact that, in their study, students indicated that one influential mentored conversation can have the impact of numerous witnessed experiences.