How to Develop Communication, Empathy, & Power Skills to Optimize Patient Outcomes

Following a 10-year clinical career, Dave completed his PhD at Western University (London Ontario) in 2010 where he is now Associate Professor in the School of Physical Therapy and Director of the Pain and Quality of Life Integrative Research Lab, Honorary Associate Professor with the Discipline of Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney, and Associate Editor of the scientific journal Musculoskeletal Science and Practice.

He is the Principal Investigator on a number of large-scale initiatives including the SYMBIOME acute trauma recovery cohort study and the Physio Moves Canada qualitative exploration of threats, opportunities, and innovations for physiotherapy practice in Canada. Having authored or co-authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications, he is recognized for expertise in measuring, predicting, and preventing chronic pain and the role of trauma and stress in the experiences of pain, mobility, and quality of life.

A native of London Ontario Jim has been a practicing physiotherapist for 32 years. Jim attended Western where he completed a BSc (PT) in 1991 and a MClSc (PT) in 2010. Jim also completed a clinical DPT in the USA in 2013. Jim has been a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapists (FCAMPT) since 2000. Jim is an instructor in the Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Master’s Program at Western University since its onset. He teaches the Mulligan Concept musculoskeletal manual therapy courses across Canada. Jim was an owner of Body Mechanics Physiotherapy in London for nearly two decades. Jim is now the National Director of Clinical Training and Development for CBI Health.

Jim is a strong advocate of all things biopsychosocial and mind, body, spirit. He is passionate about how we communicate with our patients and has been involved in the knowledge translation and teaching of these crucial foundational skills for the past decade. Jim feels our ability to connect with our patients is our most important asset as clinicians. These so-called soft skills are the true power skills in the delivery of compassionate care. Jim believes that as clinicians we must possess the knowledge and skills to facilitate behaviour change. Understanding the role of intrinsic motivation in adherence to physiotherapy must be viewed as a clinical competency.

Jim believes that personal development is professional development. Jim is a proponent of an infinite growth mindset. The importance of self-compassion, and resilience to our own personal wellness is often neglected. We cannot give away what we don’t already have. Jim coaches and mentors clinicians to assist them on their own growth and resilience journeys. Jim is passionate about the power of words as they intersect with the vulnerability of creative expression. He released his first book Cuoreosity: The heArt of Being, a poetic invitation to live into the questions of life in 2022.

Clinical Specialist, Musculoskeletal
Registered Physiotherapist
Director-Ontario Physiotherapy Association
Secretary-National Orthopaedic Division, Canadian Physio. Assoc.
Adjunct Lecturer, University of Toronto
Assistant Clinical Professor (part time)- McMaster University
Co-Founder/Facilitator - COMPASS Interactive Workshops
Twitter @JasDhirPT

Jasdeep Dhir is the owner and director of an outpatient orthopaedic practice and has been treating patients for over 17 years. In that time she has completed her transitional Post Professional Doctorate in MSK Management from EIM and an MClSc (MT) from Western University. She is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy. She has also earned the Clinical Specialist, Musculoskeletal designation from the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.  She also instructs and mentors within the Orthopaedic Division education system.  She is as Adjunct Lecturer in the MPT program at the University of Toronto and is an Assistant Clinical Professor (part time) and Sessional Instructor in the MPT program at McMaster University. She is an advocate for the profession as demonstrated by her numerous Committee involvements. She currently sits on the board of directors of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association and fills the role of Secretary of the National Orthopaedic Division. She has presented at symposia at both the provincial and national levels. She is also involved in providing and facilitating a variety of continuing education courses. She is the Co- Founder of COMPASS Interactive workshops, which provides continuing education in Interpersonal skills development. She has been recognized for contributions in teaching at the University of Toronto and awarded for excellence in mentorship by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.