Kuala Lampur, Aug. 19 -- The recent revelation of a doctor's horrid living conditions in Sabah after struggling for years with severe depression due to workplace bullying is, unfortunately, not as shocking as it should be.

This was just another reminder of the worrying lack of compassion and empathy in Malaysia's healthcare sector.

As a society, we seem to revere medical doctors as a symbol of intelligence, status and career success. Yet for all this reverence, an image of kindness is not often associated with doctors in Malaysia - though it should be expected of someone who dedicates their lives to healing.

Despite often being known for their intelligence, smarts alone do not make a good doctor. Compassion, empathy and humanity are ju...