EP6: The Power of Listening – Laura Kirk on Compassionate Communication

April 29, 2025

Dr. Kristen Woods

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In this April episode of The POD, I’m joined by Laura Kirk, Assistant Director of Advanced Practice Providers at UT Southwestern Medical Center and Vice President of External Education for the Academy of Communication in Healthcare. Laura is a certified patient experience professional and an advocate for improving healthcare through better communication and provider well-being. Drawing on her extensive leadership experience, she shares powerful insights on the role of empathy, active listening, and self-care in transforming both patient outcomes and workplace dynamics.

Laura’s journey into healthcare began with a love of art and a passion for meaningful connection, eventually leading her to become a leader in advancing communication skills among healthcare providers. During our conversation, she discusses how active listening and an empathic presence create deeper, more meaningful relationships—not just with patients but also among colleagues. She highlights that the key to thriving in healthcare starts at home: taking care of ourselves is the first step to taking better care of those around us.

Through her work with the Academy of Communication in Healthcare, Laura has helped develop evidence-based strategies for improving provider communication and well-being. From addressing burnout to fostering trust, she emphasizes that compassion and collaboration are at the heart of effective leadership. This episode is a masterclass in creating impactful change through empathy, curiosity, and intentionality in every conversation.

Join us to learn how Laura’s insights can inspire a more compassionate and connected approach to healthcare leadership.

Key Topics from this episode:

  • The role of active listening and empathy in building stronger connections with patients and colleagues

  • Why self-care is essential for providing high-quality care in healthcare

  • Evidence-based strategies for improving communication and addressing burnout among providers

  • How compassionate leadership fosters trust and collaboration in healthcare teams

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Dr. Kristen Woods' session on 'Charting Success: The Navigational Coaching Mindset' was equally inspiring. Her focus on building trust through coaching and effective feedback gave me practical tools to foster more collaborative and productive relationships.

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