You can start the small talk on the way to the office or after your session. This way once you are in the office or exam room all focus is on you and the reason for your visit. Read more Ask Yadi ...

"In learning to talk to his patients, the doctor may talk himself back into loving his work. He has little to lose and much to gain by letting the sick man into his heart." — Anatole Broyard ...

Joseph Varon hugs a patient in the covid-19 intensive care unit during Thanksgiving at the United Memorial Medical Center in Houston. (Go Nakamura/Getty Images) ...