Doctor’s Empathy Heals Half The Illness

Last week, this scribe had a bitter experience during a visit to Bir Hospital's gynaecology department. I went to the hospital for a Pap smear test. After coming to know that four women die of cervical cancer each day in Nepal, I was extremely anxious and decided to take the test. I was afraid of potentially developing symptoms before I could do anything, so a test was necessary because prevention is always better than a cure. 

A few weeks back I attended a cervical cancer awareness programme, where I learned that one could detect for this cancer 20 years before the development of any symptoms. This screening and the subsequent medication offer a chance to nip it in the bud before it's too late. Due to a lack of awareness and other socio-economic circumstances, a majority of women do not screen themselves until symptoms appear. 

During the visit, I saw that a young couple was consulting with a lady doctor during the evening shift. The couple was married four years ago but had not succeeded in conceiving. The doctor started by inquiring about the couple's medical history. One could see that the doctor was rude and very impatient. She was asking for the intimate details in front of everyone, which were important for the doctor in the course of treatment, leaving the couple embarrassed.

The couple was not willing to share their private issues publicly, especially in an environment where others could overhear their conversation. The doctor's tone was devoid of compassion. The couple left the room feeling humiliated.

The manner, tone and body language of the doctor were cold, which made me a bit nervous to divulge my case. I tried to share concerns clearly but my efforts seemed to have gone in vain. The doctor lacked the patience to listen to my problems. She quickly wrote and handed me a prescription. I wanted to consult about other gynecological issues as well, but she made it obvious that she had no interest and time to discuss them further. 

The way a doctor treated her patients that too in a government hospital, left me bewildered. The doctor's kind words and rapt attention to patients' concerns can heal half of their ailments. An unwavering patience to listen to visitors at any length, a soothing word, and a reassuring pat may at times be as healing as any medication. Good counseling is important because it makes them feel heard and cared for.  If a patient expects the physician to show some kindness, is this too much of a demand?

Just having a medical degree is not enough. Essentially, physicians need to be humane and empathetic to the anxiety of the patients. I feel that this aspect of training must be made a part of basic medical education. Physicians need to be well-versed before joining the profession, not only in treatment but also in compassion, patience and kind solace. A health system that values the human aspect as much as medical excellence will not only cure diseases but also heal individuals more effectively.