Encouraging empathy: My advice to healthcare providers of the future

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — What is it like to be a known community figure who is diagnosed with cancer? You may not know the answer to this question, but I do.

It feels shocking, scary, depressing, overwhelming and a little embarrassing. At the same time, it summons buckets of determination and hopefulness from somewhere deep inside.

I had this experience ten years ago when I was diagnosed with breast cancer at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Because I have been quite public with my cancer diagnosis a decade ago, I was asked this month to speak to teenage students from across Western New York enrolled in the Buffalo Healthcare Exploration (BHE) program at Roswell Park.

These are more than 50 students who have a strong interest in healthcare careers and want some hands-on experience. They desire to meet and learn from professionals in the medical field and would like advice on completing college applications.

The program is an impressive two-week immersive experience inspired by Dr. Khurshid Guru at Roswell Park and administered by Operations Coordinator Nancy Preskop, who has had a lengthy career as an educator.

Preskop calls the program a “building block to help [students] realize a career in healthcare that can save and help thousands of people. We help them build their soft skills: listening, understanding and building empathy.”

As it turns out, empathy was the focus of my discussion with the students.

I urged them to put themselves in the shoes of the patients they see. Every patient is different. Every patient is facing a different set of dreams, fears and burdens. Every patient is looking to them as a source of hope, and yes, empathy.

Preskop asked me to speak to the students because of my somewhat unique position as a public figure and cancer survivor.

I shared with the students that it was my original intention to keep my diagnosis a secret and go about my treatment. But after a few trips to Roswell and so many encounters with other patients and visitors who were curious about my presence at the hospital, my husband and I decided to go public with my situation.

In doing this, we wanted any information that was spreading in the community about my health to be accurate. We also wanted to help others who might fear a cancer diagnosis, reminding them that mammograms and early detection does save lives.

I can’t say enough about the kindness from the Roswell staff that surrounded me during my treatment, a kindness that continues to this day. I know this is not everyone’s experience during their cancer journey, but this was mine and this is what I shared with the BHE students.

My healthcare professionals took a genuine interest in the course of my care and treatment. They ignored the clock and gave me the time needed to answer my questions. They welcomed my husband as an active participant in my care. They communicated with each other to provide a continuity of care. They were sensitive to the cost of my treatment options. They were concerned about my immediate comfort — did I need a blanket, a glass of juice or even a hug? Some days, the answer was yes!

Kindness, thoughtfulness and empathy made all the difference for me. I hope these students will strive for the same qualities if they pursue a career in health care.

During the BHE program, the students worked with an art therapy specialist. They collaborated in groups and designed posters highlighting the themes that bubbled to the surface during their many discussions with doctors, staff and patients over several days.

I didn’t get a chance to see all of the finished posters, but I’m hoping there is more than one that features the word “empathy” right at the heart of the artwork.

Jacquie Walker is an award-winning anchor and reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 1983. See more of her work here.