Using true stories from the front line, Dr. Shapiro helps professionals rediscover what brought them to health care.

This talk is slightly modified for patient groups and emphasizes human connection, assertiveness, and developing and maintaining perspective in the face of serious illness. Keynotes. 40-60 Minutes.

Varied groups have enjoyed this talk, from 1,200 survivors at Hartford Hospital's survivor day to 5,500 oncology nurses at the Oncology Nursing Society's annual meeting.

Also for groups of patients and family members.

Physician Wellness

Using three sources of data; from the scientific literature, eleven years of experience treating physicians, and his "Letters to Patient" exercise, Shapiro illustrates the most common psychological challenges facing physicians and offers recommendations.

This talk can be done as a keynote, grand rounds, or other lecture OR as a workshop. 1 hour for keynote, up to full day for workshop. Can also be done with physicians and spouses.

Physician practice organizations, universitiy departments, and affiliated groups typically enjoy this talk.

Kill the Stickleback Fish in your relationship: Couples Communication for individuals facing illness

Using the wildly predictable stickleback fish as an example, Shapiro illustrates the common communication and intimacy patterns many couples encounter when they face cancer or other serious medical illnesses. Drawing from the scientific literature, his experiences treating numerous couples facing illness, and his own experience as both cancer patient and the spouse of a cancer patient, he brings a realism, specific skill training, and humor to complex patterns.

For lay audiences. Keynotes and Workshops. 40 minutes to full days. Any size audience for keynote, 30 or fewer (both members of the couple need not be present as participants focus on their own patterns).