The Most Powerful Therapeutic Force: Kirsner

The title of this article eludes to the idea that the doctor/patient relationship is a very powerful and important thing. The author, Kirsner, believes that this vital relationship is missing in today's society. Personally when I see a physician, I look for a person that I feel comfortable around and has a friendly personality. I liked the story in the beginning of the article because it shows that patients really desire a physician that listens and is concerned about them, even if they are only a medical student. It is also a realization that my relationships with patients start now, as a student, not seven years down the road. The story about the physician who did not call his patient back was very startling. I feel that it is important for me to always keep my priorities in line and realize that my patients are important and deserve my time and attention. After reading this article, I was reminded of a conversation I had with a friend who was not satisfied with her family practice physician. She said that the doctor came into the room and left without placing a hand on her. This made her feel that he was in a hurry and that he didn't really listen to her. As a future physician, I know that it will be difficult and busy, but the patient is the reason we have a career. We need to make sure we give each patient the time and energy that he or she deserves.