TV’s Becker Learns Bedside Manners at NYU Medical School

by Sybil Maimin

Ted Danson, the star of “Becker,” the Monday night television sitcom about a brash, tough-talking doctor, went to school at Bellevue Hospital last week. Along with the “Becker” cast, Danson attended a class in bedside manners pioneered by Dr. Mack Lipkin, director of the Center for Communication and Healing at NYU School of Medicine.

A ten-week course in doctor-patient communication is a requirement for all first-year residents. Through role-playing, followed by feedback from Dr. Lipkin as well as their peers, the new doctors learn how to speak with patients, families and colleagues. They act out the parts of doctor and patient in common situations such as denial of illness, delivery of bad news, alcoholism and not following instructions.

Whereas the TV Becker might shout at an uncooperative patient, “Listen to me, stupid,” the real-life residents are given the skills to try to win a patient’s trust and understand his or her behavior. They are encouraged to treat “the person,” not “the illness,” and to listen as well as to talk.

Together with seven residents, Danson and his cast acted out various roles, simulating typical conversations between physician and patient. They found the exercise to be challenging, eye opening, and inspiring. Explaining the show, Danson said, “Becker does have heart.” The show is funny because the main character cuts through and says directly what others will not say, an indication that he really does care. Referring to the medical school course and the compassion it engenders, an impressed Danson remarked, “this is a very serious business,” and “we are going to take this back and still make you laugh.”

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