RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 The limits of empathy: problems in medical education and practice JF Journal of Medical Ethics JO J Med Ethics FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics SP 380 OP 383 DO 10.1136/jme.2010.039628 VO 37 IS 6 A1 Anna Smajdor A1 Andrea Stöckl A1 Charlotte Salter YR 2011 UL http://jme.bmj.com/content/37/6/380.abstract AB Empathy is commonly regarded as an essential attribute for doctors and there is a conviction that empathy must be taught to medical students. Yet it is not clear exactly what empathy is, from a philosophical or sociological point of view, or whether it can be taught. The meaning, role and relevance of empathy in medical education have tended to be unquestioningly assumed; there is a need to examine and contextualise these assumptions. This paper opens up that debate, arguing that ‘empathy’, as it is commonly understood, is neither necessary nor sufficient to guarantee good medical or ethical practice.