Dr. Joan Evans, Welcome Collaborative presenter, presenting her session on communication skills.

Dr. Joan Evans’ understanding of effective physician-patient communication is informed by an impressive career in education and health.

Dr. Evans was a former Professor and Director of the Communications Skills Program in the Division of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University. She received her Master of Nursing in 1994 and her PhD in Education in 2001, both from Dalhousie University.

Dr. Evans now works with the Welcome Collaborative facilitating the communications skills session that focuses on patient-centered communication.

“Communication skills are important for all physicians. For those who are trained outside Canada, there are often added challenges of cultural differences, language differences, and educational program preparation differences. My goal is to build communication skill, knowledge, and insight to help them practice in a new healthcare environment,” says Dr. Evans.

The communication skills session is an engaging part of the 3-day orientation program where physicians have opportunities to practice patient-centred communication skills with simulated patients and discuss approaches to effectively address challenges.

“I’m always humbled by the interest and the dedication of physicians who come through the Welcome Collaborative who want to do the best that they can and be the best possible care provider for their patients,” says Dr. Evans.

Dr. Evans also emphasized the importance of having programs like the Welcome Collaborative. She believes that bringing people together in person allows new physicians an opportunity to meet other physicians facing the same challenges. This, she says, forms an incredibly important support group.

“Anything that we can do to help physicians and ease the transition into practice here in Nova Scotia is my focus,” says Dr. Evans. “I hope that after my session, when they have discussions with patients, there are fewer surprises and greater awareness of what patients’ need and value, so they feel more confident and satisfied with the quality of their interactions.”

Dr. Evans has been a part of the Welcome Collaborative since it was first piloted in October 2022 and continues to provide the program with invaluable expertise and guidance.