Approximately 60% of Romanian residents say they need courses on communicating with patients, according to a CMR study

Six in ten Romanian resident doctors say they need additional training to communicate better with patients and their families, according to a national study published on Tuesday, October 3, by the Romanian College of Physicians (CMR). The research, conducted in 2026, examines perceived competency levels, difficulties encountered in medical practice, and the training needs of the new generation of doctors.

Although 63% of respondents consider their communication skills good or very good, only 13.1% say these skills are developed “to a very great extent.” Nearly half, or 49.7%, chose “to a great extent,” while 30.4% gave a neutral response.

The need for training is expressed most frequently in Pediatrics, Oncology, Psychiatry, Family Medicine, and Intensive Care, where the proportion of responses exceeds 65–70%. Female residents indicate this need more often than male residents, at 64.2% compared with 52%.

The CMR recommends introducing practical courses accompanied by objective assessments and regular feedback. According to CMR President Cătălina Poiană, such programs can improve the quality of medical care, prevent conflicts, and strengthen the relationship of trust between doctors, patients, and their families.