- AI outperformed physicians on empathy in text-based evaluations, but not in real clinical encounters.
- Physicians spend nearly half their time on administrative work and less than one-third in direct patient contact.
- The authors argue the empathy gap reflects workforce design, not a fundamental limitation of physicians.
- AI may help restore bedside care by reducing administrative burden, but only with physician oversight.
- How health systems deploy AI—toward efficiency or toward patient presence—will determine its impact.
AI Didn’t Beat Doctors at Empathy. Medicine Moved Doctors Away From It.
Conexiant
April 30, 2026
