I read with great interest the articles about physician-patients.1,2 I think that what is important is the patient’s relationship with the treating physician. Some physician-patients might want a physician who takes complete charge of their care. Other physician-patients might want to be more involved in the decisions relating to their care. I believe it is important to respect the physician-patient position. I also believe that the treating physician should show flexibility of management when his or her style differs from that of the physician-patient. I suspect that this sort of interaction will challenge the treating physician like no other patient interaction can. Treating physicians need to balance confidence and comfort when attending physician-patients or else refer them to someone who can provide this type of care.
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