The same network that activates when we see someone in pain also fires when we see anything aversive: That’s scary—I should get out of here is the primal thought. Ordinarily, when people see someone else being pricked with a pin, their brain emits a signal indicating that their own pain centers are echoing that distress. Physicians do not. Their brains are unique in blocking even such automatic responses to someone else’s pain and discomfort, according to findings from a study led by Jean Decety, professor of psychology and psychiatry at the University of Chicago.
— Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence (Daniel Goleman), Loc. 1481–5
That’s what Nadzeja’s mum commented on the doctors being ruthless. That’s true, but it seems like there’s a reason for that.