Should physicians display emotion at the bedside?

April 22, 2008

Barron Lerner: “These days, all medical schools have some type of education in topics like the physician-patient relationship and breaking bad news. But knowing how to respond to a personal wave of stress or sadness remains a major challenge. Is crying O.K.? How about hugging a patient who starts to cry?”



Related posts:

  1. Crying in palliative care
  2. Worrying about a miscarriage while performing a liver transplant
  3. Does good bedside manner mean a better doctor?
  4. "If you don’t care to have pity for physicians, fine"
  5. Primary care disrespect starts early in medical school
  6. Your patient is crying, what to do?
  7. Can bedside manner be taught, or is it something you’re born with?


KevinMD.com on Facebook


  Follow on Twitter   Subscribe



{ 2 comments }

1 Anonymous April 22, 2008 at 5:54 pm

No universal rules apply here, just generalizations. Some of the generalizations will differ by local culture, ethnic norms, etc.

2 Anonymous April 22, 2008 at 8:51 pm

Wow, if my doctor ever hugged me I’d figure I’d have about 3 minutes to live. Please, no hugs!

Comments on this entry are closed.

Previous post: Odd cause of malpractice?

Next post: There are no winners in malpractice cases

Site Meter