title: Philosophical oncology: on being needed--thoughts of a deathwatcher.
abstract: The ultimate bond that connects the patient and the physician requires an understanding of the human drama we call illness. Medical oncology is a specialty filled with the uncomfortable experiences of people facing fear, anxiety, and loss. The caregiver must share in the distress, be troubled by the patient's troubles, but keep a safe distance, so as not to be wounded as well. The physician is not only a deathwatcher for the sickest of patients, but, by necessity, must be self-reflective--a doctorwatcher.
authors.affiliation: Palliative and Oncology Consult Services, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA. bresciaf@musc.edu
authors.forename: Frank J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Brescia
mesh_terms: D001293:Attitude to Death; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D003643:Death; D006801:Humans; D008495:Medical Oncology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology; D010819:Physician's Role; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000523:psychology