We are joined by Paul Pender, an ophthalmologist with extensive experience in patient care. We explore the vital role emotional intelligence plays in strengthening the physician-patient bond, particularly in challenging health care environments. Paul shares insights into how self-awareness, empathy, and relationship management enhance caregiving, build trust, and help alleviate patient suffering. We also discuss the emotional challenges physicians face, including moral injury and burnout, and how cultivating compassion-driven skills can transform patient outcomes and physician resilience. Paul Pender is an ophthalmologist. He discusses the KevinMD article, "Why meaningful patient connections matter in medicine." Our presenting sponsor is DAX Copilot by Microsoft. Do you spend more time on administrative tasks like clinical documentation than you do with patients? You’re not alone. Clinicians report spending up to two hours on administrative tasks for each hour of patient care. Microsoft is committed to helping clinicians restore the balance with DAX Copilot, an AI-powered, voice-enabled solution that automates clinical documentation and workflows. 70 percent of physicians who use DAX Copilot say it improves their work-life balance while reducing feelings of burnout and fatigue. Patients love it too! 93 percent of patients say their physician is more personable and conversational, and 75 percent of physicians say it improves patient experiences. Help restore your work-life balance with DAX Copilot, your AI assistant for automated clinical documentation and workflows. VISIT SPONSOR → https://aka.ms/kevinmd SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended GET CME FOR THIS EPISODE → https://www.kevinmd.com/cme I'm partnering with Learner+ to offer clinicians access to an AI-powered reflective portfolio that rewards CME/CE credits from meaningful reflections. Find out more: https://www.kevinmd.com/learnerplus