Michelle Dossett, MD, PhD, MPH, is an associate professor in residence at the UC Davis School of Medicine specializing in internal and integrative medicine. Beyond her work as a professor and physician, Dr. Dossett is also a research scientist whose work investigates the elements that contribute to successful patient/provider relationships.
According to Dr. Dossett, relationships between patients and practitioners are a key element of patient wellness. “It’s absolutely essential that when a patient comes in that they feel heard and that they feel like they’re understood,” she says. “And that the physician or whoever the clinician is who they’re working with is aligning with them towards their goals.” Clinicians can then utilize this connection to help their patients change their lifestyles for improved wellness outcomes.