Physicians' Reactions to Patients

Something has gone wrong in the practice of medicine, and we all know it. It is ironic that in this era, dominated by technical prowess and rapid biomedical advances, patient and physician each feels increasingly rejected by the other. Clearly, one root of the problem lies in the patient–doctor relationship. High technology tends to dehumanize care, and third-party regulations, paperwork, and malpractice threats distract the doctor. Nevertheless, the responsibility for dissatisfaction with modern medical care lies not only with the patient and the system but also with the physician.1 We shall discuss below how some of the typical difficulties that . . .