Abstract
The physician - patient relationship is an important determinant of quality health care This relationship is based on communication and on a solid foundation of trust, empathy and respect for the rights and dignity of the patient. Traditional medical teaching does not address communication skills which are most essential in dealing with patients.
One important challenge in medical education is to change learners' communication for the benefit of their patients. This teoretical article highlights the fact that including patient- oriented communication skill teaching for undergraduate medical students improves their competency,increases patient satisfaction and clinical outcome.
The present article was designed to understand the utility of teaching communication skills to medical students.