Like marriage, without the romance. Issue 3 (1st June 2000)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Portmann, John
• Is Part Of: Journal of medical ethics. Volume 26:Issue 3(2000)
• Page Start: 194
• Page End: 197
• Publication Date: 2000-06-01
• Subjects: Relationship -- malpractice -- emotions -- hope -- fear -- contract -- covenant -- marriage -- expectations; Medical ethics -- Periodicals; 174.2
• DOI: 10.1136/jme.26.3.194
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-6800

Abstract

Abstract : Physicians and philosophers have contributed to the field of medical ethics several different paradigms for the physician-patient relationship. Here I suggest another: marriage. Patients usually enter into relationships as we enter marriage: we allow our high hopes to obscure the possibility of deep disappointment. The argument of the essay encourages renewed focus on the contractual element of physician-patient relationships.