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Get to Know the Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion

Made possible by a generous gift from philanthropist T. Denny Sanford, the Institute for Empathy and Compassion at UC San Diego will explore the neurobiology of compassion, inform medical education, and address the epidemic of physician burnout.


Upcoming Center Events

Join our movement for a kinder, more compassionate health system and world by attending an upcoming event. In-person and virtual events are open to the UC San Diego campus, and local and global communities.

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FREE VIRTUAL MINDFULNESS SESSIONS

During COVID-19, many of us are experiencing a great deal of distress around how to carry out professional and academic duties while tending to family members and friends. In this time of need, we are proud to partner with UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness to provide you with free, daily livestreams and recordings of mindfulness and compassion sessions. All sessions are open to UC San Diego faculty, staff, and students, and the general public. 

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Neurobiology of Compassion

Using state-of-the-art imaging technologies, combined with multidisciplinary expertise, institute researchers will map empathy in the brain and its neurological underpinnings to design new ways to translate biology to behavior.

Research

Medical Education

Through empirical research into mechanisms that enhance compassion and empathy, institute scientists will provide evidence that informs educators about curricular design and aids them in piloting interventions and assessing results.

Education

Physician Burnout

Burnout and mental health issues impact roughly half of all practicing physicians. New programs and approaches, based upon institute data and discoveries, will promote wellness programs to prevent, intercept and reverse the health epidemic afflicting current clinicians.

Patient Care