Purpose

This program intends to educate the community about communication between physicians and their patients, particularly when physicians need to reveal difficult news. This conference is held annually to educate people about different aspects of cancer, and this program will thus focus on giving and receiving news about cancer. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Walter Baile, will share his insight on this topic, and a panel of cancer survivors, family members and patient supporter will share their personal experiences.

Target Audience

Des Moines University students, staff, and faculty, Des Moines area physicians, nurses, social workers, other medical professionals, and the community.

Objectives

Upon conclusion of this program, learners will be able to:

• Demonstrate effective communication with patients and family members.
• Consider the patient's perspective of a life-altering diagnosis.
• Facilitate communication between the patient and health care provider.

Agenda

Keynote Speaker

Walter F. Baile, M.D.
Professor, department of behavioral science, division of OVP, Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences; Director, program for interpersonal communication and relationship enhancement (I*CARE), faculty development, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.