A new study examined the relationship between patients and physicians by having patients rate the emotionality and agency of fictional physicians and dentists, according to The Atlantic.
Here are five notes:
1. The findings indicate patients view physicians as "empty vessels" whose duty is to serve patients.
2. The more a patient needed medical care, the more likely the patient viewed a physician's emotions to be solely focused on the patient.
3. Physicians who were deemed more instrumental had less of an internal life.
4. Feeling objectified may lead to physician burnout.
5. Additionally, physicians who feel objectified may harbor resentment toward a patient, which may translate to the quality of care that patient receives.