Opinion: Medicine Stopped Shaking Hands. We Should Start Again

An emergency physician argues for the restoration of the handshake in medical practice, emphasizing that this simple gesture—though brief—can significantly impact patient care and trust. The handshake, a fundamental human connection ritual, was largely abandoned during the COVID-19 pandemic due to infection control concerns. However, the author contends that restoring this tactile greeting can improve the doctor-patient relationship, enhance communication, and contribute to better health outcomes. This perspective highlights the importance of balancing infection prevention with the psychological and relational benefits of physical human connection in healthcare settings.