The Quiet Strength of Listening with Dr. Sriram Narsipur

Sriram Narsipur, MD, FASN, FACP, MRCP is the Edward C. Reifenstein professor and chairman of the department of medicine at Upstate Medical University. In addition to serving as the chief and medical director of the division of nephrology, he's also a professor of pediatrics and surgery at the institution. Dr. Narsipur earned his medical degree from University of Michigan Medical School. He then pursued a residency in internal medicine and pediatrics from Baystate Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, where he served as the chief resident in pediatrics. He then did a fellowship in nephrology from University of California at San Diego. His clinical interests include clinical transplantation, dialysis and research interests include cardiovascular disease in patients with end stage renal and chronic kidney disease. Most people say a successful leader is someone with big ideas that shares them with others to reach an end goal. Dr. Sriram Narsipur agrees that those traits are important, but points out that the best leaders are effective listeners. Listening is the most important skill for leaders so they understand their environment and the people they deal with. Listening is also important in patient interactions. Dr. Narsipur connects this undervalued skill with everything from building trust with patients, to getting advice from others when making a big decision. And without listening, the mentor/mentee relationship would fall apart. Join us as Dr. Narsipur shares the strengths of listening. Pearls of Wisdom: 1. Listening is the most important skill for a potential leader, and a good leader is always a good follower first. 2. After contact with a patient, follow up. Call them. This will go a long way in their immediate care, as well as build a better long-term relationship. 3. When making a big decision, look to collective experience and well-rounded advice. Even if things go wrong, at least you made the best decision you could. 4. Take advantage of understanding your patient’s perspective and see the world through your patient’s lens in order to become a more compassionate physician.