EP88: Dr. Daniel J. Waters on The Healing Power of Empathy: Insights from a Veteran Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Join Dr. Waters and host Christine Ko in this insightful conversation that delves into the emotional and human side of healthcare, offering guidance for both patients and healthcare providers. Discover practical tips for developing and teaching empathy to healthcare professionals and the positive impact it can have on patient care. Learn about the challenges patients face when navigating the complex healthcare system and how having an informed advocate can make a significant difference. Explore the joy and humanism in the field of medicine as Dr. Waters shares his passion for the profession. Discover the therapeutic benefits of writing as a form of self-expression and reflection for healthcare professionals, and how it can contribute to their overall well-being. Dr. Daniel J. Waters, DO, MA, retired in 2019 after three decades as a cardiothoracic surgeon and medical educator. He graduated from Rowan SOM and earned his advanced writing degree from Lenoir-Rhyne University. He is the author of six novels and numerous published scientific papers, stories, essays, poems and opinion pieces spanning more than 40 years. In 2019, he received the Charles L. Ballinger Distinguished Osteopathic Surgeon Award from the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons. He has also received writing awards, including the Nancy Pearl Award for Best Book for his title, Ship Bottom Blues, as well as first place in Creative Nonfiction/memoir for his piece, “Breathe for Me”, by the Pacific Northwest Writers Association Annular Literary Contest.