Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool in healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many clinicians and their patients were forced to explore and implement alternative and innovative forms of medical treatment. For many patients, telemedicine was their only link to care. But unlike in-person visits, it only takes a few seconds for a virtual visit to go poorly, exposing you and your institution to risk.

This foundational course, authored by expert clinicians at Weill Cornell Medicine, offers you the chance to examine how to lead successful telemedicine encounters with your patients in a virtual space. More specifically, you will look at how to stage your telemedicine appointments effectively with patients. You will also explore how you can communicate effectively — both verbally and nonverbally — with patients in this arena.

Given the many technical challenges inherent in conducting an effective telemedicine visit, you will examine techniques and tips to help you better prepare for your patients, creating a personal action plan to help you troubleshoot and overcome technical difficulties. In addition, you will investigate how to perform a basic physical exam virtually and have an opportunity to practice it with peers. Finally, you will study how to modify your medical decision-making process in the virtual space. All of the course materials are designed to help you adapt your in-person clinical skills to a virtual environment and ultimately form strong connections with your patients.

The materials in this course correspond to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Telehealth Competencies established in 2020.