Beyond the malaise of American medicine.
Over the past two decades, physicians have suffered declines in real income, community standing, and of collegiality. Physicians must not view themselves solely as victims of the sweeping changes in current medical care delivery. They have both the opportunity and the duty to reassert their true role as compassionate conveyors of the science and the art of medicine. This article explores the historic trends that have led to our current state. It also explores the exciting possibilities open to doctors to assume a renewed elevated status that both they and their patients yearn for.
Marcus
L J
LJ
Program for Health Care Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Harvard School of Public Health, Division of Public Health Practice, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA. ljmarcus@hsph.harvard.edu
Dorn
B C
BC
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008329:Managed Care Programs; D010819:Physician's Role; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D014481:United States