hen I initially heard that I had the opportunity to participate in the Leadership Spokesperson Training Program (LSTP), I was excited but quite nervous. I had heard great things about the program from residents who had completed it. Yet, all I could focus on was that one word: “Spokesperson.” What did that mean exactly? Me? Spokesperson to whom? About what? I immediately imagined myself bumbling through an interview at a local news station about anesthesia awareness or some other hot topic. Public speaking is not my cup of tea, and I certainly did not picture myself as a “spokesperson.”

Yet after further consideration, I realized that is exactly what I am every day. I am a spokesperson for anesthesia to my patients and their families. It is my job to clearly convey how, as their anesthesiologist, I will be participating in their care and ensuring their safety. Often the most difficult questions I am asked do not come from my staff but rather my patients and their nervous, concerned families. It’s at these moments that effective communication skills play a vital role in allowing a physician to alleviate a patient’s fears and anxieties prior to surgery.

The LSTP prepares you for these situations and many more. The session took place over two days at the 2007 ASA Annual Meeting. (It’s usually one day, but was split to two in 2007 because of changes in the ASA Legislative Conference schedule.) The first day was primarily a didactic session where we were taught how to properly prepare for an interview. More specifically, we were taught how to look at interviews — telephone, television or otherwise — as opportunities to communicate a well chosen message to a target audience. We were taught the skills needed for a successful interview, including how to give a concise, pointed response to questions and how to redirect a question to your advantage. We were shown that interviews are an opportunity to say what you want the audience to hear. On day two, we were allowed to actively practice the skills we learned during the didactic session. Each participant rotated through three breakout sessions, including a mock meeting with a congressperson and a live on-camera interview. After each session, we were complimented and critiqued on our use of the learned techniques.

All residents involved felt it was a very beneficial experience. The program is very well run and has been conducted by the Newell and Matthews public relations consulting group since 1989. Recently, additional spots were made available for residents who were interested in participating. I would highly encourage any resident who is interested in discovering his/her own hidden spokesperson to take advantage of such a worthwhile program.

Melissa Matte, M.D., is a CA-3 resident, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana.