Healthcare Experience Matters Podcast veteran Dr. Joshua Schwarzbaum returns to the program this week to share his wisdom and compassion as we explore harnessing childlike curiosity to provide better, more empathetic interactions with our patients.

As a longtime emergency room physician in New York City, Dr. Schwarzbaum has spoken in-depth about strategies for finding common ground, exercising patience, and delivering exceptional bedside interactions with patients, no matter how distraught their situations may appear at first glance.

Much of today’s interview references the recent storybook Dr. Schwarzbaum has authored entitled, Listening for A Feeling Finds True Healing: A Guide To Healing From The Inside Out. You can learn more about that book here.

You can check out Dr. Schwarzbaum’ recent appearances on our show:

• His last time on the show was in March 2024, when he delivered an interview called, “Healing Patients Better by Listening to Uncover Their Deepest Needs” which can be found here.

• In September 2023, he appeared on our program for an episode called “NYC E.R. Doctor Talks Removing Communication Barriers with Patients” and you can listen here.
• He also previously joined our show, last this year for an engaging interview on dealing with difficult conversations with patients and their families. You can check that episode out here.
• To listen to Dr. Schwarzbaum’s first podcast with us about the “Code Breathe” initiative, you can find that interview here.

Dr. Schwarzbaum emphasizes the difference between how children and adults perceive and react to the world around them.

Children are naturally attuned to their environments—able to process experiences without the baggage of preconceived notions or judgments. This open-mindedness allows them to learn and adapt quickly, as they are not weighed down by worry or previous experiences that may cloud their judgment.

As he highlights the importance of mental clarity, Dr. Schwarzbaum describes how this practice impacts his day-to-day interactions in the emergency room.

He notes that the ability to approach each patient as a new experience—uncolored by prior interactions—can lead to better diagnoses and more empathetic care.

By adopting a mindset ripe with curiosity, he can create a space where both he and his patients can engage in meaningful dialogue, free from the stress and anxiety that often accompany medical visits.

Dr. Schwarzbaum’s insights also shed light on a critical aspect of healthcare—self-care for providers. He underscores the necessity for healthcare professionals to prioritize their mental well-being to effectively care for their patients. As outlined by Dr. Schwarzbaum, only when providers are in a good emotional and mental state can they genuinely assist others.

His book, although illustrated for children, offers invaluable lessons for adults as well—urging readers to find the essence behind words and to seek out deeper meanings in personal and professional encounters.

He encourages everyone to cultivate their own sense of curiosity and openness, reminding us that true healing often begins from within. As adults, Dr. Schwarzbaum suggests, we should aim to uncloud our minds, empty ourselves of unnecessary thoughts, and be receptive to the possibilities that lie before us.

The discussion also touches on how stress can hinder not just emotional well-being but also physical healing.

 As stress inhibits the body’s natural healing processes, Dr. Schwarzbaum advocates for a mindful approach to patient interactions—promoting a calm atmosphere where it becomes easier for both healthcare providers and patients to connect and communicate effectively.

Based on our interviews and the books he has authored, it’s clear that Dr. Schwarzbaum’s approach to healthcare is rooted in understanding, compassion, and a commitment to fostering a healing environment.

His emphasis on listening and the power of perspective serves as a guiding principle for all of us.

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Communication