FROM THE EYE OF THE STORM, WITH THE EYES OF A PHYSICIAN

A physician acquires a terrible disease and, as a patient, is confronted with aspects of medical care that contribute to the suffering rather than the healing. As a result of these experiences, his views on what constitutes a good physician become simpler. A good physician cares for his patients and works toward preserving their dignity and independence. The issue is raised of whether current medical education can be effective in producing that caring physician, for it is particularly in caring for patients with catastrophic or incurable illnesses that the role of the physician is more, not less, important.