Physician-as-patient literature: Introducing and fostering a culture of empathy in medicine

The physician-patient dichotomy is reinforced continuously in medical education and medical practice. The physician possesses knowledge that will be used to help the patient in some way. However, as human beings, physicians are subject to the illnesses and diseases that affect their patients. Physicians moved by this role-reversal may feel compelled to record their experiences, leading to an accumulation of “physician-as-patient literature.” Five examples of “physician-as-patient” literature illustrate five fundamental lessons that can be adapted by physicians: relating to patient vulnerability, fostering hope for patients, mobilizing support systems, recognizing physical consequences of disease, and appreciating patient quality of life. By generalizing these individual stories, it is not necessary for physicians to experience the exact disease or illness they treat. Rather, they can draw from their unique life experiences to practice empathy. The concept of empathetic medicine can be introduced in medical school training by integrating empathy education into scientific curriculum. Current practitioners can benefit from narrative exercises, reflection and physician self-disclosure in efforts to promote empathy. Medical practice requires solid relationships between human beings, physicians and patients. This basic principle is further emphasized in “physician-as-patient” literature and concerted efforts by institutions and individual physicians can lead to a foundation for a culture of empathy.

Grantor dc:publisher

Temple University. Libraries

Year dc:date.issued

2017

Author dc:creator

• Wytiaz, Victoria

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Jones, Nora L.

• Medical ethics
• Empathy in medicine
• Medical education
• Narrative medicine
• Urban bioethics

Statement dc:rights

• IN COPYRIGHT- This Rights Statement can be used for an Item that is in copyright. Using this statement implies that the organization making this Item available has determined that the Item is in copyright and either is the rights-holder, has obtained permission from the rights-holder(s) to make their Work(s) available, or makes the Item available under an exception or limitation to copyright (including Fair Use) that entitles it to make the Item available.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12613/3857

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarshare.temple.edu:20.500.12613/3857