In December, the School of Dental Medicine (SDM) hosted its semi-annual Faculty Development Retreat, featuring a session led by the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism. The session, which was a key component of the Alda Healthcare Experience (AHE), focused on improving communication within healthcare teams, with an emphasis on combatting workforce burnout and promoting resilience.
The AHE, a collaboration between theater arts and healthcare workforce development professionals, is designed to enhance communication among healthcare workers facing complex, high-pressure environments. This innovative program brings together social science research, communication strategies, and improvisational techniques to help participants navigate the stressful, interconnected nature of healthcare work.
The SDM faculty, involved in clinical care, education, and research, face a diverse workload that requires adaptability, making them ideal participants for the AHE’s training. The session used medical improvisation exercises and organizational initiatives to improve team cohesion and coping mechanisms. Delivered by an improv expert and an Alda-trained medical co-facilitator, the workshop demonstrated the power of creative methods in fostering better communication and reducing burnout among healthcare professionals.
Dean Patrick Lloyd, DDS, described the session as a highlight of the retreat. “The faculty was highly engaged, especially in the improvisation exercises. It was inspiring to see people stepping outside their usual departments and engaging with each other. This experience will undoubtedly impact how we relate to colleagues, students, and staff,” he said.
Associate Dean Dolores Cannella, PhD, also noted how the session provided faculty with a valuable opportunity to collaborate and explore new communication strategies in a supportive environment. “It allowed our team to reflect on and practice effective communication techniques, which will improve our interactions moving forward,” she commented.
The session was facilitated by Dr. Susmita Pati, MD, Chief of Primary Care Pediatrics at Stony Brook Medicine, and E-Beth Bojsza, an improv specialist and assistant professor at Stony Brook’s School of Communication and Journalism. Together, they guided faculty through a three-hour module, culminating in a role-play exercise where a supervisor addresses a faculty member about their lenient grading practices.
“We had a very enthusiastic and engaged group of participants,” Dr. Pati remarked. “The leadership and support from Dean Patrick Lloyd were crucial in making this session successful.”
Dr. Pati emphasized that with the increasing stress and hostility healthcare professionals face, enhancing communication skills is key to building stronger, more resilient teams. “The AHE fosters team cohesion, which contributes to a positive organizational culture and offers tremendous value to healthcare settings,” she added.
Dean Lloyd reflected on how the session’s communication strategies have already proven valuable in his role. “Given the variety of interactions I have in my position, having a few extra tools to make conversations more meaningful and productive has been invaluable,” he shared.
This retreat marked another step in advancing the SDM’s commitment to enhancing interprofessional collaboration and fostering a positive, resilient workplace culture.
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