On considering recent research that shows various modes of delivering treatments results in varying levels of placebo response, medical student Karan Chhabra considers “What combination of advice, empathy, and touch unlocks our body’s natural painkillers? Can we be high-touch without being high-tech? Can that be taught? Experienced clinicians may have the answer without even knowing it. But students like myself could use a bit more training on how to be our patients’ placebos.”
© 2023 Mad in America Foundation