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If you have 40 minutes, 99% Invisible did an episode last year on some of the history of how doctors deliver news like this.

https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/breaking-bad-news/

> That’s why many medical schools now offer training for students on how to break bad news, bringing in actors to help them learn how to navigate this critically important and very high-stakes moment. And that’s not the only connection between acting and this particular facet of medicine.

> It turns out that one of the first doctors to recognize the challenges of this particular kind of doctor-patient communication wasn’t just a physician — he was also a comedian. And he drew on that experience to transform the way that doctors break bad news.

> His name was Dr. Rob Buckman, and his very unusual life experiences prepared him to tackle what might be the hardest part of a very hard job. Radio reporter and part-time medical school videographer John Fecile went back to trace the strange journey of this comedic doctor, and discovered unexpected connections along the way.

I don't think "through a video screen with poor audio quality" came up, but I'm guessing Buckman wouldn't have recommended it.




This podcast is a treasure!




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