In this thought-provoking keynote, ER physician and health communicator Dr. Shazma Mithani challenges physicians to look inward at how our rigidity, system pressures, and communication gaps can drive patients toward misinformation and “alternative” care. Through compelling ER stories and lessons from her social-media advocacy, Dr. Mithani explores how humility, openness, and curiosity can rebuild trust in medicine and how we can call our patients back in with empathy and evidence.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:

• Analyze the ways in which physician communication, system design, and professional culture can unintentionally contribute to misinformation and loss of patient trust. (CanMEDS–FM: Communicator 2.1, Professional 6.2)
• Evaluate the role of humility and uncertainty in clinical interactions, and determine how acknowledging limits can strengthen, rather than weaken, patient relationships. (CanMEDS–FM: Professional 6.2, Scholar 4.2)
• Integrate curiosity, empathy, and inclusive listening into clinical encounters to enhance therapeutic alliances and mitigate the influence of misinformation. (CanMEDS–FM: Communicator 2.1, Health Advocate 5.1)