Reclaiming Humanity in Healthcare-The First and Most Important Role for Physicians Is to Relieve Suffering Associated...

In this perspective, we argue that healthcare systems around the world are in a state of crisis, partly due to the loss of humanity. We trace this in part to the new public management systems that were implemented to increase efficiency and have had a counterproductive effect. We argue that these processes have contributed to the rising trend of burnout and moral injury that threaten healthcare workforces across the world. A multifaceted approach is required to address this complex issue. We believe that one of the key solutions is the transformation of the practice of medicine to facilitate a meaningful, valuable, person, and relationship-centered approach, caring for "this patient" instead of "patients like this." Establishing trusting relationships is important not only for care and decision-making but also for mutual fulfilment in a doctor-patient relationship. The sense of meaning and fulfilment builds resilience and may prevent moral injury that often leads to burnout. This cannot be accomplished without the practice of compassion in care. Therefore, creation of a compassionate physician workforce should be a top priority to address this issue. We advocate to include compassion as a required competence and as the "first physician role" in the medical education framework. We discuss the evidence to support these ideas and provide examples of such teaching aids. The transformation of medical education and care will require tectonic shifts in thinking, attitudes, and acceptance at both the personal and organizational levels. Through this perspective, we hope to share our vision, seek valuable feedback, and possibly inspire action on an issue that affects us all.