C L O S L E R
Moving Us Closer To Osler
A Miller Coulson Academy of Clinical Excellence Initiative

Keeping humanity at the heart of surgery 

"Art and Surgery," by Janina Cerbetowitzc, Royal Liverpool Hospital. 

Takeaway

Exceptional care means seeing—and honoring—the patient behind every procedure. A few ways to achieve this can include compassionate communication, gentle touch, and taking time to clarify anything that is poorly understood. 

Passion in the Medical Profession | September 23, 2025 | 3 min read

By Jonathan McFarland, Medical Humanist, Autonomous University of Madrid & University of Pompeu Fabra, Susana Magalhaes, PhD University of Porto & University Fernando Pessoa, Jacek Mostwin, DPhil, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine, & Rene Genedry, MD, University of Iowa 

 

Medicine is an ever-changing and sometimes tumultuous world. In 2025, numbers seem to be more important than persons, and new expensive procedures more appreciated than actually caring for a person who is suffering. How can we counter this imbalance? Has medicine lost its soul? 

 

This is where a humanistic approach is crucial, one that values recognizing the suffering of others, that interprets verbal and non-verbal narratives of illness, and acts in a way that respects the Person of the Patient and of the Professional.  

 

Surgery, like other medical specialties, requires space for reflection and debate on the meaning of humanism and its impact on the quality of care. Perhaps it’s even more pressing in this speciality because surgery is often at the forefront of technological advances in healthcare. Surgery is characterized by the use of sophisticated technologies, including robotics and artificial intelligence, and is often inaccessible to patients and families. And sometimes, the patient-doctor relationship may be neglected. 

 

The new book, “Humanism in Surgery,” invites clinicians to rediscover the deeper meaning of patient care. Through stories and conversations with surgeons, the book explores the “magic and mystery” of medicine and reminds us that compassion is a vital skill. Every chapter encourages reflection on what it truly means to care for another human being. 

 

Beyond the scalpel: the patient experience 

Consider the patient preparing for major surgery, surrounded by technology and a busy surgical team. Amid the flurry of activity, the patient’s anxiety may be overlooked. Yet, when a surgeon takes a moment to speak with warmth and kindness, it creates an atmosphere of trust that can ease fears far more than any medication or machine. Such gestures—listening, showing empathy, honoring dignity—are essential but sometimes overshadowed by the technical side of care. 

 

Humanism matters now more than ever 

With breakthroughs in robotics, artificial intelligence, and surgical techniques, medicine continues to rapidly evolve. However, the race for efficiency and precision can leave patients feeling lost in the shuffle. In moments where clinicians are made to focus only on numbers and outcomes, the original purpose of medicine—relieving suffering and healing—risks fading into the background. Humanistic care keeps patient stories, hopes, and experiences at the center, even in the most advanced settings. 

 

Bringing humanism to every specialty 

All healthcare professionals—whether practicing in surgery or emergency medicine—can integrate humanism into daily interactions. Here are practical ways to put patients first, every time: 

 

1. See the individual behind the diagnosis.  

Take time to uncover the unique background and concerns of each patient. 

 

2. Take a brief pause for genuine connection.  

Even one minute can make a difference. 

 

3. Use clear, compassionate communication.  

Replace medical jargon with everyday language and encourage patients to share their perspectives. 

 

4. how empathy through small acts.  

Simple gestures—a caring word, a gentle touch—demonstrate respect and humanity. 

 

5. Reflect on patient interactions regularly.  

Consider what went well and how future care can be more compassionate. 

 

Reclaiming the soul of medicine 

Medicine’s greatest advances and technical mastery are valuable, but the foundation of exceptional care remains rooted in human connection. As “Humanism in Surgery” so powerfully reminds the medical community, the most meaningful outcomes arise when clinicians honor both skill and compassion. By making humanism a priority in every specialty, healthcare professionals can consistently deliver care that truly matters—for every patient, every time. 

 

”Surgeons must be very careful When they take the knife! Underneath their fine incisions Stirs the Culprit-Life”
—Emily Dickinson

 

 

 

 

 

 

This piece expresses the views solely of the author. It does not necessarily represent the views of any organization, including Johns Hopkins Medicine.