BUCOM Faculty, Staff, and Students Enhance Communication Skills at Interactive Workshop

On Thursday, February 6th, the Team-Based Learning (TBL) Room at BUCOM was filled with engaged faculty, staff, and students eager to strengthen their communication skills. The workshop, titled Essential Communication Tools of the Trade: Cultural Humility and Health Literacy, provided an interactive environment designed to foster inclusive, person-centered learning and health care practices.

The workshop focused on key communication strategies to improve interactions within diverse clinical and educational settings. Participants explored the following areas:

• Engaging & Interactive Learning: Attendees discovered practical techniques to ensure communication is respectful, productive, and culturally informed.
• Real-World Applications: The session highlighted how to navigate communication challenges related to identity, culture, age, and appearance—crucial for both clinical and academic environments.
• Boosting Patient Outcomes: By developing skills in cultural humility and health literacy, participants learned how to enhance physician-patient relationships, leading to improved patient care and outcomes.
• Networking & Connection: The workshop also served as a platform for faculty, staff, and students to exchange insights, share experiences, and support each other's growth.

Meet the Expert: Dr. Joy Goldsmith

The workshop was led by Dr. Joy V. Goldsmith, a professor at the University of Memphis and a renowned expert in health communication science. Dr. Goldsmith has pioneered tools that help health care providers effectively address health literacy and cultural humility. Her extensive research focuses on health care provider training, serious and chronic illness communication, and strategies for improving patient-provider interactions.

Dr. Goldsmith's work spans numerous clinical and communication journals, covering topics such as health literacy, communication pedagogy, simulation training, oncology nurse communication, interprofessional communication, and family caregiver communication.

Enhancing communication skills is critical to fostering an inclusive, person-centered learning and health care environment. This workshop not only highlighted the importance of effective communication as a foundation for academic success and quality patient care but also empowered participants with strategies to promote mutual respect, cultural humility, and meaningful connections across diverse settings. Through these skills, BUCOM continues to build a community where every voice is heard, valued, and respected.