Philosophical Oncology: On Being Needed-Thoughts of a Deathwatcher

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...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cancer investigation 2004, Vol.22 (3), p.466-470
Main Author: Brescia, Frank J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Attitude to Death
Caregivers - psychology
Death
Humans
Medical Oncology
Neoplasms - psychology
Oncology
Patients - psychology
Physician's Role
Physician-Patient Relations
Physicians - psychology
Quality of life
Terminal Care - psychology
Unacceptable pain
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Summary: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.
ISSN:0735-7907
1532-4192
DOI:10.1081/CNV-200034900