“The starting point is to do our best to approach discussing COVID and vaccination with the appropriate type of empathy and understanding.
To understand that our patients don’t have access to the same level of data and research that we do, and even if they did, they might not understand it. To understand, they likely have fears underlying their reticence.
Understand you may not ever reach them, or you may need to back off for a short time. This can all be done without acknowledging their conspiracy theory or misleading talking point from 24-hour cable news is a legitimate point of view.
While admittedly anecdotal, I’ve reached more anti-vaxxers starting with empathy and understanding than with a ‘that’s the way it is, that’s what the data shows’ mentality. Even if I don’t reach them, I’m a lot less stressed. Last but not least, take care of yourselves and each other.”
Kenneth Szwak is a physician assistant.
He shares his story and discusses his KevinMD article, “A milligram of understanding for anti-vaxxers.”
Did you enjoy today’s episode?
Rate and review the show so more audiences can find The Podcast by KevinMD.
Subscribe on your favorite podcast app to get notified when a new episode comes out.
Reflect and earn 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 CME for this episode.
Also available in Category 1 CME bundles.
Powered by CMEfy – a seamless way for busy clinician learners to discover Internet Point-of-Care Learning opportunities that reward AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Learn more at about.cmefy.com/cme-info
Do you know someone who might enjoy this episode? Share this episode with anyone who wants to hear health care stories filled with information, insight, and inspiration.
Hosted by Kevin Pho, MD, The Podcast by KevinMD shares the stories of the many who intersect with our health care system but are rarely heard from.