Number 31 of 52 Compelling Communicators: Dr. Bruce Carleton
August 05, 2013
Bruce embraces his topics fully. I have heard him speak a few times and am always captivated by his passion. He knows how to connect an audience to his mission. Whether he is talking to an audience of one or one thousand you can feel his energy and enthusiasm. When he recommends people speak from the heart, you know he walks the talk.
This man researches, among other things, adverse drug reactions in children. A key element of Dr. Carleton’s research is the communication of results to clinicians, patients, healthcare administrators, and government officials – those who also hold responsibilities to improve patient care and our systems of healthcare delivery. Such important communications work. I am grateful there are people like Bruce in this world.
This man researches, among other things, adverse drug reactions in children. A key element of Dr. Carleton’s research is the communication of results to clinicians, patients, healthcare administrators, and government officials – those who also hold responsibilities to improve patient care and our systems of healthcare delivery. Such important communications work. I am grateful there are people like Bruce in this world.
How would you describe yourself as a child?
Somewhere between shy and outgoing.
What helped you become a good communicator?
My father - both when speaking and writing.
What are the traits of a good communicator?
Know your audience. Listen with intensity. Speak from your heart.
What tip or advice would you give to help people become better communicators?
Trial your communications to others. Don't be offended by feedback that what you are trying to convey isn't clear. Keep working on becoming better, it takes a lot of effort and practice.
What is your biggest communication related pet peeve?
Speaking to an issue and not to the people in the audience. Must do both to be effective.
Who do you think is a famous compelling communicator? And, what makes him or her compelling?
Ernest Hemmingway. Communication isn't just about speaking, its also about writing. With few words he conveyed pictures, sounds, smells, colours - simply amazing.
Please share a communications story (good or bad) that will be beneficial for others.
Medical care is so personal, and yet can be so impersonal. This is partly because health care providers are often as uncomfortable with the exchange as the patient. But the best care happens first from listening and relating your own experiences. It took me years to figure this out; That nonadherence to my advice wasn't a personal insult on my intelligence - but a reflection that I was focused on the patient meeting MY objective...and not the other way around. I have students commit this to memory: the definition of nonadherence to therapy or recommendations is the unwillingness or inability of patients to meet YOUR objective.
Bruce Carleton Professor, Dept of Pediatrics, UBC Senior Clinician Scientist, CFRI Director, Pharmaceutical Outcomes Programme, BC Children's Hospital.
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