I have been working with physicians closely for 4+ years: Here's what you need to know, 1. Be concise: Physicians are often pressed for time due to patient care. Deliver your message quickly and directly. 2. Tailor your information: Gauge their existing knowledge on the topic and adjust your communication accordingly. Avoid overwhelming them with unnecessary details. 3. Demonstrate value: Clearly articulate how your proposal or information can improve patient outcomes or streamline their workflow. Use data and evidence to support your points. 4. Respect their expertise: Acknowledge their medical knowledge and experience. Frame your interaction as a collaboration rather than trying to instruct them. Copy

Building a physician's trust is vital for effective teamwork, and you can achieve this by consistently demonstrating your knowledge and competence, ensuring you're seen as a reliable resource. Additionally, respect their time by being prepared and concise in your interactions while building rapport through active listening and empathetic responses to their concerns.

Building trust with the physicians in our field begins with understanding that we are all part of the team. As a matter of fact this is essential to good patient outcomes. We all have strengths and weaknesses working together is the only way to achieve favorable patient outcomes.

Winning over skeptical physicians? Stop trying to “sell” your ideas. Flip the script—invite them to break it. Present your plan and challenge them to poke holes in it - make your chat novel and interesting. Make it clear: you value their insights, not just their compliance. Physicians thrive in environments where expertise is acknowledged, so turn critiques into a co-creation opportunity. When they see you’re serious about building with them, not dictating to them, trust naturally follows. Remember: trust isn’t won by proving you’re right—it’s earned by showing you value being wrong if it means finding a better solution together.

In my experience as a Community Pharmacist, building trust with hesitant physicians takes time and consistent effort. During a CMR, I noticed a patient had opioid prescriptions from two different doctors. Concerned about overdose risks, I reached out to both to recommend a unified pain management plan. One physician was initially hesitant, but after explaining the risks and suggesting non-opioid alternatives for chronic pain, we adjusted the treatment. It’s about clear communication, being patient-centered, and showing the value we bring to improving patient care.