Our current health care system cures at the expense of healing. In the past, doctors listened while patients told their stories. The warm touch of the examining hand and caring presence touched the patient’s heart. In the name of efficiency, doctors order tests instead of talking to patients. Technology puts more layers between a patient and doctor. The absence of the warm human connection between patients and doctors creates dissatisfaction even with technically flawless care.

The solution is simple. Invest in the relationship between doctors and patients. Patients and doctors need to talk with each other. We must recognize the importance of the patient’s story and make time for patients to tell their stories to their doctors.

Vicki Rackner MD knows about heart disease, heart disease of the health care system and the healing power of the story. She’s the author of the soon-to-be released Chicken Soup for the Soul Healthy Living Series: Heart Disease. She’s a board-certified surgeon and clinical instructor at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Through her business Medical Bridges she helps people become active participants in their health care.

Questions Dr.Vicki Rackner can answer:

1. What’s the secret to getting the health care you want?
2. What’s this new silent epidemic you call heart disease of the health care system?
3. What’s the biggest mistake people make when seeing their doctors?
4. What’s the biggest skeleton in your doctor’s closet?
5. What are the three things you should know about your health story?

Vicki Rackner M.D. president of Medical Bridges, is a surgeon who left the operating room to help patients partner more effectively with their doctors. She's a speaker, author and consultant.

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