empathy in medicine

Empathy in medicine means understanding and genuinely caring about a patient's feelings, experiences, and concerns. It involves listening attentively, recognizing their emotional state, and responding with compassion. This connection helps patients feel respected and supported, which can improve communication, build trust, and promote better health outcomes. Essentially, empathy is about seeing the patient as a whole person, not just a condition or symptom, fostering a caring relationship that enhances the overall healing process.