In medicine, is there a place for learning from those we serve?

cogprints.org

Some good reflections on the contrast between exhortations to be more humanistic and show empathy, the bulk of training is focussed on the technical. My sense, from my experience, is that doctors largely pick this up in the real world of dealing with patients and their families. Quote:

In the White Coat Ceremony, just as we begin to part ways with the rest of humanity, we’re exhorted to be humanistic. And yet, every speech we heard, every book and essay we read, came not from a patient but from a medical professional. Indeed, we are entering the medical profession. But in such a noble profession, one that emphasizes lifelong learning and service to others, is there a place for learning from those whom we serve? Before long I’ll be able to see an entire world inside a patient’s eyes–but I wonder when I’ll learn how the world looks from behind their eyes.

In medicine, is there a place for learning from those we serve?.

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