What are the origins of Schwartz Rounds?

In 1994 a health attorney, Ken Schwartz, was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.  During his treatment, he found that what mattered to him most as a patient were the simple acts of kindness from his caregivers, which he said made “the unbearable bearable.” Before his death, he left a legacy, which established the Schwartz Center in Boston to help foster compassion in healthcare. Since then, Schwartz Rounds have become an integral part of clinical practice. More recently they were introduced to universities across many health and social care training programmes through the Point of Care Foundation (PoCF) -an independent charity with the mission to humanise healthcare. Currently, more than 60 Higher Educational Institutions offer Schwartz Rounds to their health and social care students.  

Why attend a Schwartz Round?

Students can gain a great deal from taking part in Schwartz Rounds. These facilitated sessions offer a rare opportunity to pause and reflect on the emotional challenges of training, helping students feel less alone in their experiences. Schwartz Rounds provide a welcoming space away from the pressure of academic and clinical life, where open discussion is encouraged, and all voices are valued equally, regardless of course, year, or level of expertise.

Rounds can stir a wide range of emotions. Sadness, joy, humour, anger or sensitivity, and offer a space where emotional expression is not only accepted but welcomed.

Research on Schwartz Rounds in Higher Education indicates multiple benefits for health and social care students. Attending Rounds can support emotional well-being and strengthen communication skills, deepen empathy, and help us better understand the perspectives of others. They foster self-awareness, highlight the human side of healthcare, and connect with students’ daily experiences, offering reassurance and validation. These are essential qualities for compassionate and collaborative practice in health and social care settings.

What UEA students are saying...

 The panelists did an amazing job at presenting their wonderful stories and it was a pleasure to listen and discuss with them. Glad I took the hour out of my day to stop, listen, reflect, and share with others" 

"I have attended previous Rounds and have always found them to be very thought provoking, powerful experience which helps drive home the human side of healthcare" 

"I always feel like I learn from the Rounds. They realign my values and help me to be more compassionate towards others and myself.” 

”I thought the storytellers were brave discussing their fears, feelings and experiences - and by doing this they created a safe space for others to share. Thank you to all!"

Themes from our previous Rounds

A patient I’ll never forget - The day I made a difference - Sharing difficult news - Imposter syndrome - Empathy in action - Feeling different - Two places at once - Flying the nest and transitions - A team I’ll never forget - When cultures clash - Death and Dying - Discrimination at work