Harvard Macy Institute (harvardmacy.org) – Professional Development Programs for Academic Leaders

General Discussion This forum is an unstructured area where Harvard Macy scholars discuss general topics of interest in health care education, leadership and innovation.
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hriess3551 - 1/17/2009 6:13:09 PM
   
Empathy
Emapthy training is the subject of my Harvard Macy Project.  I agree that many students and trainees do not pay attention to the finer points of patient-doctor communication. They must be taught the importance of an empathic stance and to examine and experience patients' presence, facial expressions and body signals in order to relate to them empathically. There is a science and art to empathy.  It must be observed, either in vivo or using videotapes, and taught with intention.  There is a neurobiology and physiology of empathy and this teaching can raise empathy to the position it requires for patient-centered and compassionate care. 

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