Why Does Humanity in Healthcare Feel Like It’s Fading?
Lately, it seems like kindness and empathy are becoming rare. Is this a new phenomenon, or are we just more aware of it? As an ER/trauma nurse for over 20 years in a large urban hospital, I’ve witnessed both the best and worst of humanity in healthcare. Compassion for fellow humans is what brought many of us into medicine, but now, indifference and hostility seem more common.
In public spaces, many people are focused solely on their own needs. In hospitals, staff are burned out, and patients feel dehumanized. So, what’s happening? Are we becoming desensitized, or is there a deeper issue at play?
The Decline of Humanity in Healthcare and Who It Affects Most
One of the clearest examples of our compassion crisis is in healthcare accessibility. Why has receiving care become a privilege rather than a basic human right? Marginalized communities—including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and those with substance use disorders—often face the greatest barriers to care. But at the core of it, all of these people are just that—people.
In emergency medicine, we don’t get to pick and choose who deserves care. Legally, ERs must treat all patients, regardless of insurance or citizenship status. Yet, the fear of seeking care due to discrimination or deportation remains real for many. Healthcare should be a space of healing, not fear.
How Trauma-Informed Care Can Help Restore Humanity in Healthcare
The American College of Surgeons (ACS), which certifies trauma centers, has begun discussing a crucial concept: Trauma-Informed Care (TIC). This approach recognizes that both patients and caregivers bring their own life experiences into a hospital setting.
Patients who have endured toxic stress, childhood trauma, and social inequities may react differently to medical situations. They may be distrustful, defensive, or fearful—responses shaped by past trauma. Similarly, healthcare providers, weighed down by years of emotional and physical exhaustion, may develop callousness as a defense mechanism.
The idea of Trauma-Informed Care aligns with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of the “Beloved Community”—a society rooted in justice, equality, and mutual care. As author Bell Hooks explained, this community isn’t about erasing differences but affirming them, ensuring that every person is seen, valued, and respected.
How Can We Rebuild Humanity in Healthcare and Beyond?
So, how do we bring humanity in healthcare back into everyday interactions? It starts with individual advocacy and institutional change.
- In Healthcare: Hospitals must implement Trauma-Informed Care practices, ensuring that staff recognize and respond to patients with empathy.
- In Public Spaces: Individuals can advocate for humanity in small ways—by stepping in when they witness cruelty, by practicing active listening, and by choosing kindness over indifference.
- In Policy: Leaders must prioritize equitable healthcare access, ensuring that no one fears seeking medical care.
While changing an entire system may seem impossible, change always starts with people—one act of compassion at a time.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Humanity in Healthcare
Every interaction is an opportunity to restore humanity. Next time you encounter someone struggling—whether in a hospital, a workplace, or on the street—consider what they might be carrying. Kindness is free, and empathy is a bridge to understanding.
What are your thoughts on the state of humanity in healthcare today? Let’s start a conversation @ontherecordhq.
