MARYLAND CITY, MD — In an era of rapid medical advancements, general surgeon and healthcare leader Ian Reight is championing a often-overlooked aspect of patient care: communication. Reight, who has served as chief of surgery, medical staff president, medical director of a breast center, and lead robotic surgeon, has announced a personal pledge to foster better conversations between patients and healthcare providers.
Reight's initiative comes at a critical time. The Association of American Medical Colleges projects a physician shortage of up to 86,000 doctors by 2036, while the American Medical Association reports that 43.2% of physicians experienced burnout symptoms in 2024. Furthermore, research by The Joint Commission consistently identifies communication breakdowns as a leading factor in serious patient safety events. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also highlights that about 1 in 31 hospital patients acquires a healthcare-associated infection daily, underscoring the need for coordinated care.
“Technology gives us better tools, but communication, preparation, and teamwork determine how well those tools are used,” Reight said. His career, from volunteer firefighter and paramedic to hospital leadership, has taught him that trust is built on listening. “Patients remember whether you listened long after they forget the technical details,” he added.
The pledge outlines seven commitments, including giving patients full attention, explaining medical information in plain language, and staying calm in stressful situations. Reight also emphasizes continuous learning and teamwork. “Good leadership isn't about having every answer,” he said. “It's about helping people work together so everyone can do their best.”
To make the initiative accessible, Reight provides a do-it-yourself toolkit with practical tips like writing down questions before appointments, keeping an updated medication list, and repeating instructions back to providers. A 30-day progress tracker guides users through weekly challenges, from preparing questions to sharing the pledge with others.
Reight invites healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers to adopt the pledge and toolkit. “Small improvements in communication can strengthen trust, improve understanding, and contribute to safer, more collaborative healthcare experiences,” he said. By embracing simple daily habits, individuals can help build a culture where better conversations lead to better care.
