Suffolk Reporter

The School of Dental Medicine (SDM) recently held its semi-annual Faculty Development Retreat, featuring a session with the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science from Stony Brook University. This segment was part of the Alda Healthcare Experience (AHE), focusing on interprofessional team communication. The session addressed healthcare workforce burnout, medical improvisation methods, and initiatives to enhance team cohesion and resilience.

The AHE program results from collaboration between theater arts experts and healthcare workforce development professionals. It has been delivered to various healthcare workers, helping them develop communication skills necessary for managing complex networks and high-pressure situations. The program combines social science research, communication strategies, and improvisational techniques.

Patrick Lloyd, DDS, dean of the School of Dental Medicine, highlighted the session's impact: “The session was considered by many to be a highlight of our retreat,” he said. Dolores Cannella, PhD, associate dean for education, noted that faculty used the opportunity to explore new ways of engaging: “The session provided an opportunity for our faculty to reflect on and practice communication strategies within a supportive environment.”

Susmita Pati, MD, division chief of Primary Care Pediatrics at Stony Brook Medicine and chief medical program advisor at the Alda Center facilitated the session alongside E-Beth Bojsza, improv specialist at Stony Brook School of Communication and Journalism. They guided participants through a three-hour module culminating in role-play exercises.

Dr. Pati remarked on participant engagement: “We had very enthusiastic, engaged participants for this [exercise].” She emphasized the importance of developing greater communication skills amid rising hostilities faced by healthcare professionals: “The AHE offers a way to build team cohesion and collaboration that contribute to a positive organizational culture.”

Dean Lloyd shared his personal takeaway from the experience: “On a personal level, I have already employed some of the communication tools that we practiced during the session.” He acknowledged how these tools could enhance meaningful conversations in his role.