Here’s what you said: “For somebody decrying the lack of empathy in doctors, you don’t seem to have a whole lot for those providers who have to deal with sickness and dying on a daily basis.”

When did this become about people having empathy for the doctor? This is about *doctors* having empathy for patients. Yes, you work hard and see a lot of tragedy. You knew what you were getting into. Why should we have empathy for you when you are unwilling to strive for empathy, preferring instead to offer a list of things that you think justify your lack of empathy. And with that list, you become just another doctor. Not a great doctor… and clearly not even one who reaches for greatness. Just. Another. Doctor.

False dichotomy… The question forces the choice but if you ask with the third choice with “AND”, everybody chooses this one, of course.

This shows the importance to take care about the medical studies.
The question is : How to avoid natural empathy to diminish during the learning process …and
the professional practice?

Empathy is inherent in each of us and the positive effects of it are well documented. While we cannot teach empathy we sure can make an effort to do less to discourage it.

It’s impossibly difficult to feel empathy for others when you yourself are wasted, having just completed a 34 hour duty with only few hours of sleep, having barely eaten any real food, and being embarrassed in front of the patients by an almighty specialist.

Seeing a person die in front of your eyes once is shocking. Getting to see it everyday is…well…routine.

Unfortunate…but it’s the truth. That’s how it is.

Still, I try. I have been a patient myself, and have had relatives who needed medical attention. Nothing’s worse than talking with a doctor who doesn’t connect with you on an emotional level.

However, I think it has it’s merits. Most people would say that it’s easier to decide rationally when you are emotionally detached.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desensitization_%28psychology%29

“The review of 18 studies found that self-reported emotional
understanding declines markedly during medical training.
Counter-intuitively, the crucial downturn happens when
medical students start seeing patients.”

I think this is another example of desensitization. At
first the students are horrified by the sadness and suffering
that many of their patients endure, but after a while it
just doesn’t bother them as much.

And yet, some doctors end up much less empathetic than
others. Probably this is because they started out having
less empathy even before starting medical school, exposure
to suffering reduced their already small store or empathy.
While those with lots of empathy, also end up with less
empathy, but still have lots of empathy left.

It would be a worthwhile study to test the empathy levels
of doctors before and after they take a one year sabbatical.
I would bet that the sabbatical away from suffering would
increase their empathy levels.

Terry