After all, the evidence shows that physicians are spending two-thirds of their time on paperwork—not with their patients. Medical professionals, from MDs to front-office staff, are run off their feet. Should compassion—rather than accuracy, or countering the epidemic of physician burnout—really be at the top of our priority lists?

Absolutely, say the experts. In fact, compassion can help counter many of the problems a health system faces…and it doesn’t have to be a major time investment.