ICU Communication Skills: The Conversations No One Taught You | Episode 129

Communication is one of the most common procedures in critical care—but unlike central lines or codes, most clinicians receive surprisingly little deliberate practice. Dr. Tessie October joins Dr. Lillian Emlet to explore what real ICU family meetings teach us about empathy, conflict, decision-making, and getting better at difficult conversations. IN THIS EPISODE: ► Why communication deserves deliberate practice ► What makes a family meeting work ► Why empathy and efficiency can coexist ► How simulation and feedback build skill ► The deceptively powerful question: “What else?” ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr. Tessie October is a pediatric intensivist and palliative care physician at Children’s National and Distinguished Faculty and a board member with VitalTalk. RESOURCES & LINKS: SCCM VitalTalk: Mastering Tough Conversations 2027 SCCM Critical Care Congress VitalTalk   Chapters + Timestamps 01:34 Why Communication Matters 03:35 When Talks Go Wrong 06:00 Deliberate Practice With VitalTalk 07:36 What Research Recordings Reveal 09:33 What Great Meetings Look Like 12:32 What VitalTalk Is 16:33 How Feedback Builds Skill 18:03 San Diego Course Details 20:32 One Tool Ask What Else 22:38 For Clinicians Who Dread Talks 25:26 Grace And Closing Resources    Learn more about Giving & Receiving Feedback in Healthcare Subscribe and Listen on: Website Youtube Spotify Apple Follow us on: Newsletter Instagram Facebook LinkedIn For personalized support in your life and work as a healthcare professional and leader, book a free call. Disclaimer: Although we are trained medical professionals, we are not acting in a clinical capacity on this podcast. We do not use our medical licenses or provide medical, mental health, or therapeutic services in this setting. The content shared in this episode is based on our personal experiences, opinions, and coaching backgrounds, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. It should not be taken as medical advice, therapy, or professional counseling, nor used as a substitute for individualized medical or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical or mental health concerns. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not represent the positions of our employers or affiliated organizations.