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Article
Relationship Between Medical Student Service and Empathy
Academic Medicine : Journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges
  • Chantal M. L. R Brazeau, MD
  • Robin Schroeder, MD, Univeristy of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
  • Sue Rovi, PhD
  • Linda Boyd, DO
Publication/Presentation Date
10-1-2011
Abstract

BACKGROUND: Student participation in service activities during medical school is believed to enhance student professionalism and empathy. Yet, there are no studies that measure medical student empathy levels in relation to service activities.

METHOD: Medical students from four classes (2007-2010) were surveyed at graduation using the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy-Student Version and questions about service activity during medical school. For two classes, empathy scores were also obtained at orientation. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Means comparison tests were performed.

RESULTS: Mean empathy scores at graduation were higher for students who participated in service activities compared with those who reported no service (115.18 versus 107.97, P < .001). At orientation, students with no service had lower empathy scores, and those with any service had higher empathy scores.

CONCLUSIONS: Student empathy and service activities during medical school are related. This may have implications for admissions committees.

PubMedID
21955767
Document Type
Article
Citation Information

Brazeau, C., Schroeder, R., Rovi, S., & Boyd, L. (2011). Relationship between medical student service and empathy. Academic Medicine: Journal Of The Association Of American Medical Colleges, 86(10 Suppl), S42-S45. doi:10.1097/ACM.0b013e31822a6ae0