How Can I Engage Exhausted Doctors in a 20-Minute Seminar on Problem Solving?

I need your help in giving me some useful inputs regarding a short seminar I have been asked to conduct for Physicians and general Doctors in a Doctor's association. I usually conduct a training of 2 hours on Problem Solving & Decision Making at no cost for corporate employees at times, and I have proposed the same to this association as well. However, to their concern, they won't be able to allocate more than 20 minutes for the duration during which I have to put my best foot forward. The content should be concise and to the point. Furthermore, I have been assigned the last slot after 4 pm, which poses a challenge in itself as the Doctors would already be exhausted.

Kindly advise on the best topic that can be covered in this short span of time to make a significant impact and keep their attention.

Thank you.

Emotional Intelligence: A Key Skill for Doctors

I'd suggest Emotional Intelligence. It would serve the occasion and hold doctors' attention.

I say that outright because, for doctors, one of the key things is the relationship they form with their patients, often referred to as the 'Doctor-Patient' Relationship.

That is the area you have to talk about when discussing Emotional Intelligence. Emotional Intelligence is a skill that every doctor values. In fact, what really sets apart one good doctor from another is their ability to quickly develop rapport with their patients, build trust by asking the right questions so that the patient opens up, which, in turn, helps diagnose the problem correctly. Imagine children, senior members, adults, teens—doctors meet all kinds of them all the time.

Since you have only 20 minutes, you can go in with a "sales-like pitch" and a "demo."

Sales Pitch Strategy

Begin with a challenge and mention what's in it for them. Point to common problems in their profession or ask a rhetorical question on what sets apart one good doctor from another and then set out to answer. You can say, "That is not an easy one, but you will all agree when I say..."

Here, focus on the relationship I mentioned above with an emphasis on rapport building and its usefulness in diagnosing. Throw in some sample everyday life humorous situations encountered in a doctor's clinic. (since you only have 15 minutes now)

All in all, point out how having a certain skill can change things for them. Then introduce Emotional Intelligence. Run through it. Leave them curious. Even that is impactful. They will call you back, no matter how important everything else could be. Focus only on the necessary parts. Just have fully picturized slides with no bullet points on them but just bold-facing fonts like a movie banner or an advertisement. Ten slides are more than enough.

Let me know if you want Emotional Intelligence made easy material. I have it up my sleeve.

Good luck,

Regards, Andy

Keeping in mind your scenario, I would like to suggest doing a learning game and a simple debrief for ten minutes. This way, you will grab the attention of the audience and break the monotony of a lecture-based session as well.

What would be the approximate strength of the audience? Let me know if you want me to suggest some learning games and the topic you would like to focus on.

I would suggest discussing topics like "Quick decision-making based on the situation, etc." I believe that for doctors, making quick and correct decisions is crucial for saving lives. This can also be explained concisely within a short span of time.

First of all, I would like to thank you all for coming forward to help me. Mr. Atul and Andy, yes, I would really like the PowerPoint presentation on Emotional Intelligence and the learning games suitable for the doctors' seminar. It would help me decide more clearly what I would be able to provide based on my own strengths.

The session is expected to attract a minimum of 400+ doctors according to their information. Hence, I hope you all can understand that the seminar is a challenge in itself.

Please reply as soon as possible. Thank you again.