Neuron Overload and the Juggling Physician

This is an interesting article from Lancet about how some physicians are very empathic individuals, but sometimes come off as though they are not listening and aloof. For some doctors I believe this is true, whereas for others, I don't believe this is true. There are some doctors out there who are just in it for the money and/or have lost the desire to treat and help patients (or burned out). With the empathetic doctors, I agree with the article that there are many distractions, there isn't enough allotted time with patients, and that they have difficulty listening and processing all of the patient's information to formulate the best treatment. It seems to me that this isn't the fault of doctors, but rather the institution of medicine's fault. If healthcare changed one of its institutional practices such as give more time with patients, there wouldn't be as many problems with medicine as there are today. I hope one day to be a part of changing the face of medicine through lab, clinical, and academic work. In the meantime, I will work hard on becoming a doctor who listens to each of my patients and helps them receive the best treatment.