Background: Building an effective patient-physician relationship (PPR) is a vital component of successful health care; and educating and preparing students to communicate effectively with patients has always been critical. Such an education and important preparation needs to evaluate the current situation in which the communications are built. The aim of this study was to explore tips for improving PPRs in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences from the perspective of patients, students and

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... ty members.Methods: In this qualitative content analysis study, data were gathered using focus groups, semi-structured interviews and participatory observations in the field, based on purposive and maximum variation sampling until the saturation was achieved. Content was analyzed through a thematic and manifest analysis. Standards for methodological rigor were enhanced through different strategies.Findings: Content analysis resulted in 36 tips for improving PPRs. The tips were classified at three categories (physician, patient or health system- related factors) and ten sub-categories. Physician-related factors were divided into five sub-categories including personal characteristics; communication competencies; patient-centered practice; professional collaboration and time allotted for a visit. Patient- related factors were distributed into two sub-categories:personal attributes and trust-supported attitude. Health system related factors were alienated into three sub-categories including context-related, socio-cultural and organizational factors. Conclusion: In this study, among the tips to improve the PPRs, the tips allied with physician-related factors were more frequently mentioned by participants. Given this important finding and considering the point that physician-related factors have been less studied in previous studies, interventions focused on physician-related factors are highly recommended.