Boston Globe 8/15/15: At MGH, schooling doctors in the power of empathy. Contrary to popular belief, empathy — or the ability to put yourself in another person’s shoes — isn’t necessarily something innate or acquired in upbringing. While some people seem naturally nicer than others, the Mass. General program has empirical evidence that empathy can be taught to adult professionals. And should be, according to [Wayland resident] Dr. Helen Riess, a psychiatrist who directs the hospital’s Empathy and Relational Science Program.