Empathy and Compassion: The Human Edge

A patient in a state-of-the-art super specialty hospital, attended by more than half a dozen doctors, given precise medication, treated with timely surgery, and ultimately made a good recovery. The patient must be more than lucky to have recovered from a critical illness that almost took his life. Yes, he was grateful towards the entire team. Yet, he had some sadness, and a little anger. His complaint was simple yet profound, that the doctor never reached out with a simple touch of reassurance. Nobody held his hand to ease his anxiety. He felt his reports were being treated and the blood drawn everyday was giving the testimony to his illness. No one looked at his tongue or eyes, nor felt his pulse. His complaints were never even heard.