We old-timers fondly teach
That Medicine is not at all terse,
Alas, today's students reach
For technology and computers !

Clinical skills are of the mind
And can be learned with an intellect
But Empathy is of the heart
Gifted by role models, not texts !

To be able to almost feel another's
Suffering as one's own
Is not easy
To inculcate ; yet many studies have
Shown that the ability to be kind
Can indeed happen ere it's too late !