Respect and patient-physician communication

The New York Times Health section had an interesting article today, written from a doctor's perspective, about the power of names. The question is: how should physicians and patients address each other? Should physicians insist on being called "Doctor"? Should patients insist on being called Mr. or Ms.? Is a title a show of respect or detachment? When a physician or patient calls the other by his or her first name, is it a way of demeaning the other? Are we over-thinking all of this? The article generate passionate response from both physicians and patients.

The fact that the issue of titles is a concern at all shows the inherent difficulty in effective physician-patient communication. Both parties wield a certain amount of power: one of expertise in a field, one of ultimate control of their body and where they take it. There is a need for respect in this communication relationship, but also a need for intimacy. How do you balance formality and respect with the intimate nature of physician-patient communication and clinical exams? And what do you call each other when you do it?

Intimate acts of care

Registered Nurse Theresa Brown, a regular contributor to the New York Times Well section, offers insight into the intimate acts nurses perform in the care of cancer patients. The essay demonstrates that communication between nurses and patients goes beyond words, to intimate moments of touch, comfort and care.

Giving as an act of healing

The New York Times Well blog reviewed a book that explores the health rewards of giving to others. Giving to others isn't a medical cure for anything, but is presented as a means of helping patients cope and gives them hope. The book and the article cite some of the science and questions behind the idea of giving as a means of healing. But in this case, the science isn't as compelling as the stories of patients who have gained from giving to others. And we will all do well in this season to remember that the joy of giving is a joy unto itself, regardless of the benefits.