This really interesting article, released this month in the journal Academic Medicine, comes to an interesting conclusion about changes in empathy during medical school. As a medical school hopeful, I think it’s important to reflect on these kinds of challenges:
It is concluded that a significant decline in empathy occurs during the third year of medical school. It is ironic that the erosion of empathy occurs during a time when the curriculum is shifting toward patient-care activities; this is when empathy is most essential.
Spiro gives a useful commentary on this idea
My guiding slogan remains, however, The eye is for accuracy, but the ear is for truth. The eye discerns diseases on screens or films, but the ear hears complaints of patients. Even more than examining the body, listening to our patients taps our sense of empathy. When we take the time to listen, we begin to do so.