1. Do not expect your doctor to share your discomfort.

Involvement with the patient’s suffering might cause loss of valuable scientific objectivity.

2. Be cheerful at all times.

Your doctor leads a busy and trying life and requires as much gentleness and reassurance as possible.

3. Try to suffer from the disease for which you are being treated.

Remember that your doctor has a professional reputation to uphold.

4. 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.

5. Never ask your doctor to explain what he or she is doing or why.

It is presumptuous to assume that such profound matters could be explained in terms that you would understand.

6. Submit to novel experimental treatment readily.

Though the surgery may not benefit you directly, the resulting research paper will surely be of widespread interest.

7. 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.

8. Do not suffer from ailments that you cannot afford.

It is sheer arrogance to contract illnesses that are beyond your means.

9. Never reveal any of the physician’s shortcomings that have come to light in the course of your treatment.

The patient-doctor relationship is a privileged one, and you have a sacred duty to protect your physician from exposure.

10. Never die while in your doctor’s presence or while under his or her direct care.

This will only cause the physician needless inconvenience and embarrassment.

Author unknown , aimablement transmis à REISO par le Dr Jean Martin