Empathic and reflexive processes in physicians and surgeons

The paper summarizes and analyzes the results of a study on empathic and reflexive processes among physicians and surgeons in different medical institutions. The study involved 215 doctors. The research identifies that there is a high or very high level of empathy in all groups. Physicians of outpatient departments and surgeons of hospitals are most prone to empathy. The systemic reflexive process is typical for physicians from outpatient departments. Only the respondents of this group demonstrate its standard values. Unproductive types of reflexive processes, such as introspection, exceed the standard values among physicians and surgeons of outpatient clinics. Quasi-reflection does not exceed the standard values in all groups. The research findings can be used as a part of proficiency enhancement and continuing medical education through additional recommendations and specialized modules, courses, and training for physicians and surgeons in order to develop systemic medical judgment and patient compliance and improve the quality of medical assistance.