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My grandfather’s heart attack taught me that a doctor’s care goes beyond the patient
I felt powerless in the face of my grandfather’s hospitalisation, but my interactions with the medical team made me realise the importance of empathy and communication.
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Research has shown that empathy seems to be a rare trait among doctors – difficult to possess and even harder to retain.
PHOTO: PEXELS
Faye Ng Yu Ci
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In medical school, where I am a final-year student, a large part of our training centres on patient communication. As part of our final graduating exams, we simulate clinical encounters with patients and family members to assess our communication, professionalism and ability to handle challenging situations.
Cases include breaking bad news to family, apologising for medical errors and counselling for chronic conditions.
