Common courtesy-not so common: the practice of mutual respect in the radiology and nuclear medicine departments: essentials, problem recognition, skill development and unique exercises for improvement

Learning Objectives 1. Introduction to concepts of common courtesy and mutual respect in the workplace and specifically in the medical field. Why they are important. 2. Challenges related to interpersonal relationships in the radiology and nuclear medicine department. Common problematic senarios, including their impact and effect on patient care as well as proper solutions maximizing mutual respect. 3. Daily exercises that can be used. Importance of practice and teaching with the residents and staff.

We discuss the challenges of maintaining interpersonal relationships in the radiology and nuclear medicine departments. We show why positive relationships and mutual respect are critical to departmental success. We discuss several common problem scenarios that can develop and the direct and indirect impact on the workplace, and the ultimate effect on patient care. We discuss common ways of addressing the respect and interpersonal issues and novel approaches to maximizing interpersonal respect within the department improving overall staff performance. We illustrate a series of exercises that can be utilized on a daily basis to show problems and solutions with mutual respect. We discuss the importance of teaching and practicing the concepts of mutual respect with residents. Common courtesy and mutual respect are important in the medical field, especially in radiology and nuclear medicine where communication of results and positive interdepartmental relationships are critical for the success of the institution as a whole.