Can better communication training make better surgeons?

This study is testing a new 5-year training program designed to teach surgical residents better communication skills, like showing empathy and having difficult conversations with patients. Researchers will enroll about 600 surgical trainees and their instructors to see if the program is easy to implement and if it improves the residents' confidence and ability to communicate. The goal is to gather information on whether this type of training is effective and can be used widely.