The Importance of Empathy in Pharmacy

Riley Quinn, Pharm.D. Candidate 2027

While working in a pharmacy, I noticed something peculiar during my shifts. Our regular patients seemed to memorize our pharmacists’ work schedules and would only visit when one particular pharmacist was present. After noticing this pattern, I observed what made him so well-liked and trusted. It was in his ability to empathize with our patients. There is no way to know the extent of what patients may be experiencing physically and mentally, and medical settings can amplify feelings of anxiety and frustration for many people. It is the pharmacist’s job to actively seek methods to ease patients’ concerns. Something as simple as remembering someone’s name can build immense trust with our patients. Paying attention to nonverbal cues, listening attentively, avoiding interruptions, and validating patients’ emotions are crucial to improving interpersonal relationships in healthcare settings. A rule of thumb when practicing clinical empathy is to treat patients as if they were beloved family members. Alongside improved perspectives towards healthcare settings, most patients have greater efficacy and therapeutic effects when they trust their healthcare providers. Empathy is the key to happiness and health in the world of pharmacy.