THE ROLE OF MIRROR NEURONS IN EMPATHY AND HUMANIZATION OF MEDICAL PRACTICE

Abstract

Empathy is essential for humanized clinical care, and its development during medical school is of paramount importance. The ability to put oneself in the other's shoes, understand their emotions, and respond sensitively can transform the relationship between doctor and patient, promoting more effective and comprehensive care. This competence is not only a desirable skill; It is essential for medical practice, as it directly influences treatment adherence and patient satisfaction. To foster empathy among future doctors, it is crucial to understand the processes that precede it and the foundations that support it. A central aspect in the discussion about empathy is the role of mirror neurons, since studies point to them as the biological basis of social skills, including empathy, as it ranges from motor activities to emotional modulation in the face of external stimuli, being able to foster the impact of an experience and induce empathic behavior. Thus, this work sought to enrich the knowledge about the intrinsic relationship between neuroscience and the development of empathy, in order to foster humanization in Medical Education.