Empathy should be sought and supported as a desirable, career-long trait in doctors
Many observers have argued that medical practice is increasingly dehumanised, dominated by impersonal technologies and economic imperatives.1 A solution that is sometimes offered is to cultivate empathy in doctors.2 Many doctors may be sceptical, wondering whether empathy is too ill-defined to make a difference in the pressured arena of clinical work. Perhaps it can be safely left to essay-writing medical humanists or to the nursing staff . . .
The full article is accessible to AMA members and paid subscribers. Login to read more or purchase a subscription now.
Please note: institutional and Research4Life access to the MJA is now provided through Wiley Online Library.
