Abstract

Objective. To measure and examine medical residents’ (junior doctors) empathy and to compare psychiatry residents’ empathy with that of other specialties. Participants and Methods. A translated version of Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy for Practising Health Professionals was administered to 112 Romanian residents. Results. 60 residents in psychiatry and 52 in other specialities completed the questionnaire. Statistically significant differences were found between male and female counterparts, and between psychiatrists and residents in other specialities. Conclusions. Male doctors seemed to be less empathic compared to female ones. Psychiatry was the most empathic medical specialty.