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Date of Publication: August 14, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.20529/IJME.2024.051
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The healing power of the doctor-patient relationship
Abstract:
Humane and empathic care are quintessential to the medical profession. In this narrative, a psychiatrist reflects on a difficult patient encounter which highlights the influence of trauma on a patient with psychosis and how the doctor-patient relationship is paramount in the treatment of any illness.
Copyright and license ©Indian Journal of Medical Ethics 2024: Open Access and Distributed under the Creative Commons license ( CC BY-NC-ND 4.0), which permits only non-commercial and non-modified sharing in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited.
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Comments:
Well-written! “When we came face-to-face, I emotionally attuned myself to her suffering, aware of her tumultuous journey over the years and the chaos that ensued after childbirth. With kindness in my eyes, I said to her “The baby looks adorable. Shall I hold her?” The baby, a symbol of innocence and an embodiment of her hopes and fears, became a conduit for a fragile trust.”
The ancient ayurvedic classic, the Charaka Samhita, instructs the physician treating mental illness: “Aashvasayet suhrut vakyaih”, meaning, “First console with friendly words.” The whole piece is illustrative of the power of genuine friendliness and kindness of doctors’ words.