The last thing I expected from the show The Good Doctor was the way it made me rethink my thoughts on empathy. I figured I’d learn a thing or two about the medical field (and pretend I know so much more in my head) and watch a whole lot of drama unfold. The Good Doctor exceeded those expectations. I found myself fascinated with watching the main character and how he interacted with the people around him. In doing so, it also made me see how things like paying attention, having patience, and understanding matter in our everyday lives.
When I’m talking about empathy, I’m talking about more than just feeling for someone. I mean the empathy where you’re noticing the small details, listening carefully to what someone’s saying and responding to them in a way that actually helps and shows you understand. Sometimes, I think we listen to respond rather than to understand, even if that’s not our intention. The main character often sees things others miss because we’re not looking carefully enough. It can be a hesitation, just the slightest change in an expression or even the way someone speaks. Those small observations can change everything.
The show also emphasizes vulnerability, which is such a refreshing thing to watch. The doctors, patients and families all make mistakes just like anybody else would. They’re not characterized as these perfect people that can handle anything thrown their way without breaking a sweat. They’re human, and they get frustrated, scared or overwhelmed. By showing this kind of vulnerability in the show, it reminds us that these characters are human too. Yes, they’re fictional, but it just reinforces the point that making mistakes and having bad days is a completely universal experience. The series reminds us that empathy grows best when people are honest about their struggles.
Patience is another important lesson it teaches us. Of course, there’s the popular saying, “Patience is a virtue.” Still, everyone knows that relationships don’t suddenly get better overnight. They take time, and mistakes are a part of that process. When I’m watching these characters try and work through the complicated situations they’re in, it makes me realize how easy it is to judge each other so quickly without taking the time to stop and think about it.
The show also made me think about how empathy can go beyond our immediate circles. Sometimes we’ll come across people who feel very different from us. By paying attention and trying to understand, we can make a real difference.
The Good Doctor shows that empathy is both a skill and a choice. It takes effort and attention, and it serves as a reminder that even small acts of understanding can have a big impact.
