- DO NOT EXPECT YOUR DOCTOR TO SHARE YOUR DISCOMFORT
Involvement with the patient's suffering might cause him
to lose valuable scientific objectivity.
- BE CHEERFUL AT ALL TIMES
Your doctor leads a busy and trying life and requires
all the gentleness and reassurance he can get.
- TRY TO SUFFER FROM THE DISEASE FOR WHICH YOU ARE
BEING TREATED
Remember that your doctor has a professional reputation
to uphold.
- DO NOT COMPLAIN IF THE TREATMENT FAILS TO BRING
RELIEF
You must believe that your doctor has achieved a deep
insight into the true nature of your illness, which
transcends any mere permanent disability you may have
experienced.
- NEVER ASK YOUR DOCTOR TO EXPLAIN WHAT HE IS DOING OR
WHY HE IS DOING IT
It is presumptuous to assume that such profound matters
could be explained in terms that you would understand.
- SUBMIT TO NOVEL EXPERIMENTAL TREATMENT READILY
Though the surgery may not benefit you directly, the
resulting research paper will surely be of widespread
interest.
- PAY YOUR MEDICAL BILLS PROMPTLY AND WILLINGLY
You should consider it a privilege to contribute,
however modestly, to the well-being of physicians and
other humanitarians.
- DO NOT SUFFER FROM AILMENTS THAT YOU CANNOT AFFORD
It is sheer arrogance to contract illnesses that are
beyond your means.
- NEVER REVEAL ANY OF THE SHORTCOMINGS THAT HAVE COME
TO LIGHT IN THE COURSE OF TREATMENT BY YOUR DOCTOR
The patient-doctor relationship is a privileged one, and
you have a sacred duty to protect him from exposure.
- NEVER DIE WHILE IN YOUR DOCTOR'S PRESENCE OR UNDER
HIS DIRECT CARE
This will only cause him needless inconvenience and
embarrassment.
With the compliments of Cecilie Thorning
Jacobsen,thorning@stud.mdb.ku.dk, Please don't erase
this part of the file when you copy or distribute it -
someone might wish to contribute with additional
paragraphs.
[All jokes are believed to be in
the public domain. If you feel one of these belongs to you, please
let us know the details and we will either remove the
material or provide a link at your request.]
Unless otherwise noted, all photos and text is Copyright © Richard G Lowe, Jr.
