Course Director: Perry Gerard, MD, MBA, CPE, FACR, RPA
Overview
This symposium focuses exclusively on the critical role of empathy in transforming healthcare delivery and outcomes. Designed for healthcare professionals, educators, and administrators, this event aims to equip participants with the tools and insights to foster empathy at every level of patient care. Through inspiring talks, interactive workshops, and case studies, attendees will explore how empathy can improve patient experiences, build trust, and strengthen the well-being of healthcare providers themselves.
Agenda
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Registration & Morning Refreshments
Start the day with coffee, tea, and light refreshments while networking with peers in the healthcare field.
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM | Keynote: “Empathy as the Pillar of Patient-Centered Care”
Speaker: Perry Gerard MD. There will be an inspiring keynote speaker that explores the transformative power of empathy in healthcare. They will highlight research-backed evidence and share poignant anecdotes to illustrate how empathy fosters trust, improves clinical outcomes, and enhances patient satisfaction.
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM | Panel Discussion: “Caring for the Whole Person: Empathy in Practice”
Moderator: To be announced. Physicians, nurses, and patient advocates This session will feature real-world examples of how healthcare professionals use empathy to connect with patients on a deeper level. Topics will include navigating difficult conversations, addressing patient fears, and ensuring cultural competency.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Workshop: “Empathy-Building Exercises for Healthcare Professionals”
Facilitators will guide participants through practical exercises, such as role-playing and reflective listening, to help enhance empathetic communication skills. Attendees will learn how to better understand patients’ perspectives and build stronger connections.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Networking Lunch: “Stories of Empathy in Caregiving”
Enjoy lunch while listening to brief, moving stories from participants about moments when empathy made a tangible difference in their practice.
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM | Breakout Sessions: Exploring Empathy in Specific Healthcare Contexts
- “Empathy in End-of-Life Care” – For professionals working in palliative care.
- “Empathy for Burnout Prevention” – Tailored for providers facing emotional exhaustion.
- “Enhancing Empathy with Emerging Technology” – Exploring the role of VR, AI, and other tools.
Each session offers field-specific approaches to cultivating and applying empathy in challenging scenarios.
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM | Case Studies: “Empathy in Action: Healthcare Success Stories”
Hear from leading healthcare institutions that have implemented empathy-driven programs. Learn about the measurable impacts these initiatives have had on patient outcomes, provider satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM | Joint Session: “The Ripple Effect of Empathy: From Caregivers to Patients”
This interactive discussion explores how a culture of empathy among healthcare teams influences patient care and fosters a more supportive work environment.
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Closing Keynote: “Empathy as the Future of Healthcare”
A forward-looking talk on how empathy will shape the future of healthcare delivery, education, and innovation. Attendees will leave inspired to champion empathy in their practice.
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Networking Reception
Wrap up the day by connecting with other attendees over light refreshments, sharing takeaways and building meaningful professional relationships.
Objectives
- Provide healthcare professionals with actionable strategies for cultivating empathy in patient interactions.
- Explore the relationship between empathy and clinical outcomes, including patient adherence and satisfaction.
- Address barriers to empathy, such as burnout and stress, and provide tools to overcome them.
This healthcare-focused symposium will emphasize that empathy isn’t just an ideal; it’s a necessity for creating compassionate, effective, and patient-centered care.
