MARYLAND CITY, MD, August 11, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- General surgeon and healthcare leader Ian Reight has announced a new personal pledge encouraging people to strengthen one of the most overlooked parts of healthcare: communication.
Inspired by decades of experience as a surgeon, former chief of surgery, former medical staff president, former medical director of a breast center, former medical director of wound care and hyperbaric medicine, and lead robotic surgeon, Reight says better healthcare begins with better conversations.
The pledge reflects the principles that have guided his career, from his early years as a volunteer firefighter and paramedic in Maryland to his leadership roles in hospitals.
"Technology gives us better tools, but communication, preparation, and teamwork determine how well those tools are used," Reight said.
He believes that advances in medicine are most effective when patients, families, and healthcare professionals understand one another.
"Patients remember whether you listened long after they forget the technical details," Reight said. "That doesn't replace medical skill, but it strengthens trust."
According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the United States could face a physician shortage of up to 86,000 doctors by 2036. The American Medical Association reports that 43.2% of physicians experienced at least one symptom of burnout in 2024. Research published by The Joint Commission has consistently found that communication breakdowns are among the leading contributing factors in serious patient safety events. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 1 in 31 hospital patients has at least one healthcare-associated infection on any given day, highlighting the ongoing importance of safe, coordinated care.
Reight believes communication is a responsibility shared by everyone involved in healthcare.
"You cannot understand healthcare by looking at one department," he said. "You have to understand how everything connects."
He also believes leadership begins with steady action during difficult moments.
"Good leadership isn't about having every answer," Reight said. "It's about helping people work together so everyone can do their best."
Ian Reight's Personal Pledge
Reight is committing to the following seven actions:
I will give patients my full attention during every important conversation.
I will explain medical information in clear, understandable language whenever possible.
I will ask patients and colleagues if they have questions before ending a discussion.
I will stay calm during stressful situations and encourage others to do the same.
I will continue learning new techniques and technologies while keeping patient care at the center of every decision.
I will actively listen before offering solutions or making assumptions.
I will encourage teamwork by respecting the perspectives of every member of the healthcare team.
Do It Yourself Toolkit
Anyone can strengthen communication without spending money by practicing these habits:
Write down your questions before every medical appointment.
Keep an updated list of your medications and allergies.
Repeat important instructions back to your healthcare provider in your own words.
Ask for clarification if you do not understand a medical term.
Bring a notebook to appointments and write down key information.
Stay calm before responding during stressful conversations.
Thank healthcare professionals when they communicate clearly.
Check in with family members about their health history and keep records organized.
Read trusted public health information from reputable medical organizations.
Practice active listening in everyday conversations by allowing others to finish speaking before responding.
30-Day Progress Tracker
Week 1: Prepare questions before every healthcare conversation.
Week 2: Practice active listening by asking one clarifying question during important discussions.
Week 3: Organize your personal health information, including medications, allergies, and emergency contacts.
Week 4: Share this pledge and toolkit with one friend, family member, or coworker, and discuss one communication habit you both plan to continue.
Call to Action
Ian Reight invites healthcare professionals, patients, caregivers, and community members to take this personal pledge and share the toolkit with others. Small improvements in communication can strengthen trust, improve understanding, and contribute to safer, more collaborative healthcare experiences. By committing to simple daily habits, individuals can help build a culture where better conversations lead to better care.
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