Why is empathy important in the medical professions?

It's important in all human relationships. Empathy means that you know what a person is feeling and why they feel the way what they are feeling. You may not agree with why they feel a certain way, but you have to respect their opinions and feelings in order to have a good relationship with them.

In medicine, a good relationship probably improves outcomes because patients will be more compliant with prescriptions and orders than if they feel misunderstood or disrespected.

Also, patients tend to sue doctors who are arrogant and condescending - even if they are the best doctor.

So, taking time to identify feelings and they why behind it will help improve outcomes and protect liability.

Many doctors minimize feelings probably b/c they are not clinically related to the diagnosis or treatment plan, per se. Also, many people are not raised or taught even a small degree of emotional sophistication, so they are uncomfortable dealing with it or lack confidence to deal with it.