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Relationship Between Medical Student Service And Empathy, Chantal Brazeau, Robin Schroeder, Sue Rovi, Linda Boyd

Robin S. Schroeder MD

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 …