PEOPLE FIRST, PATIENTS SECOND: A REVIEW OF METHODS TO BOLSTER EMPATHY IN MEDICAL STUDENTS

Abstract

This thesis evaluates and presents information on the variety of methods employed by medical schools in the United States for increasing empathy among their students. Empathy has been identified in prior studies of medical students and professionals as an indicator for positive physician-patient relationships, increased satisfaction with care and adherence to treatment plans, and overall improved patient outcomes in a range of medical fields and specialties. Furthermore, expanding physician empathy to minority or marginalized groups is a target for programs that seek to improve health disparities. Upon reviewing the efficacy of both traditional and humanities-oriented methods for teaching the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of empathy, a hypothetical proposal is made for the implementation of a longitudinal empathy-forward curriculum that incorporates humanities pedagogy at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson.