Word Pictures as a teaching tool for residents and medical students

If “a picture is worth a thousand words,” how can we capture this concept to enhance physician and patient communication and improve the overall relationship? How can medical educators help medical students and residents put their patient education points into more memorable language? The answer may lie in the use of word pictures. A word picture is a communication tool that uses a story or an experience to activate both the intellect and the emotions and, in so doing, allows the person to relate to the words, not just hear them. Using word pictures and concrete images improves perception and comprehension.