The Path to
Highly Effective
Communication

We specialise in the delivery of exceptional educational experiences for doctors who are seeking to improve their communication.

Better Conversations.

Better Outcomes.

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Evidence-Based
Tailored
Effective

Unlock the Power of Difficult Conversations.

Once you’ve mastered the technical aspects of your craft, your ability to communicate becomes the single biggest determinant of your success.

Training Solutions

Seminars

Experiential Workshops

Invidualised Coaching

Online & Face-to-Face

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Who we help

Trainees

Never has communication been so important in completing training. Make sure it’s not the reason you don’t succeed.

Interview Preparation

Exam Preparation

Remediation Assistance

Receiving Difficult Feedback

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Specialists

Communication is the most common cause of patient complaints, and conflict with colleagues. We can help.

Improve Your Difficult Conversations with Patients

Manage Conflict with Colleagues

Respond Effectively to Complaints

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Managers & Educators

Looking for a way to improve the way your staff communicate? We think you’re onto something.

Trainee Assistance

Manage Difficult Feedback

Create a Culture of Communication Excellence

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Not a Doctor?

We’ll share our experience with anyone.

And we’re confident that anyone can learn how to have difficult conversations.

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Why us?

Testimonials

  • Difficult conversations in action...

    “The format of the small group Comms Lab sessions was really powerful for me because I could actually see and feel the effect of difficult conversations in action.

    Between the thoughtfully realistic role plays and clear guidance to the group (and a sense of humour), Nick and Hayden gave me the safety, space and encouragement to try out these techniques.”

    Bengt Baumgartner, People and Client Engagement Manager

  • Consistently positive feedback...

    “The provision of stimulating non-technical skills training can be somewhat difficult to integrate into educational programs for trainees. However, Hayden has been an asset through his facilitation of communication skills training at our Induction Course and bi-national Trainee Week conference.

    The feedback from our trainees regarding these sessions has been consistently very positive. He has a very flexible approach and can individualise his training to the learning needs and size of the group. He is always professional and an absolute pleasure to work with. I can highly recommend Hayden without reservation.”

    Dr Kathryn McLeod, Consultant Urologist
    Chair, Education Sub-Committee, Training Board of Urology, RACS

  • One of the best communication coaches I have ever met.

    “ I was very fortunate to meet Dr Hayden Richards who is the master of COMMS LAB communication, during my training years. Hayden is one of the best communication coaches I have ever met. With his help, I have become an effective communicator and have been able to overcome various difficult conversations. His communication strategies are relevant, specific and helpful for ACEM OSCE exam success. I would highly recommend Dr Hayden Richards to junior doctors and colleagues for better communication skills.”

    Dr Chris Knight, Emergency Physician

Meet the team

Dr Hayden Richards MBBS FACEM

Dr Hayden Richards MBBS FACEM MPhil

Co-Director and Senior Facilitator

Hayden has been researching and teaching communication skills for over ten years.

He has an interest in the application of evidence-based skills and frameworks in the context of challenging inter-professional communication.

Hayden is also an emergency medicine specialist and Deputy Director of Emergency Services at University Hospital Geelong.

Dr Nick Simpson MBBS FACEM FCICM

Co-Director and Senior Facilitator

Nick's interest in communication teaching and training has developed from a career in Emergency and Intensive Care Medicine.

He has assisted in the inception, design, implementation and research of high-stakes communication programs and continues to learn and teach communication skills in a clinical context. 

Nick is currently the Deputy Director of the Intensive Care Unit at University Hospital Geelong.

Dr Shobhana Nambiar MBBS
Adv Dip EM

Co-Director and Senior Facilitator

Shobhana is an experienced communications facilitator for health care professionals.  With over 20 years of clinical experience in Emergency medicine, she is passionate about helping people develop their skills in having difficult conversations with patients as well as other professionals.  She has worked
extensively in medical education including as Senior Lecturer at Deakin University.

Currently, she delivers communication workshops over a wide range of topics at Deakin University, Barwon Health as well as Royal Melbourne Hospital.  Her workshops are learner led, interactive, engaging and focussed on each practitioner finding their authentic voice.

We work with a team of experienced facilitators and professional actors to create a learning experience tailored to your needs.