In this course, the medical stream deals with the identification, learning and teaching of consulting skills in communicating with patients, families and colleagues in clarifying illness problems, in acquiring accurate information, interpreting evidence and diagnosing disease, in handling ambiguity and uncertainty, in referral to others and in negotiating trade-offs among management options. Differences between generalist and specialist tasks and contexts will be explored. Consulting skills in the nursing stream parallel these, but with differing responsibilities in assessment and patient care. Lessons will be drawn from these settings to other clinical healthprofessional _ patient communication settings. Assignments include study in the candidates own setting. The workshop explores ways for improving the effectiveness of communicating with patients, and includes many opportunities for practicing new skills. Note: External Course / Workshop candidates should be working in a clinical setting with access to potential or actual students/trainees.