Invited Commentary: When the Doctor Becomes the Father of the Patient

Abstract

Perhaps the most difficult of times for a physician is when we or our loved ones are the patient. The system in which we have so much experience can become a black hole of confusion, miscommunication, incompetence, and misinformation. The following is a description of my own path as I transitioned from a skilled physician to a worried parent to a traumatized parent. Fortunately, this story appears to be resolving well, making it easier to share with my colleagues. I hope this affords you a better understanding of our patients and their families' journeys in the morass of diagnostic dilemmas and treatment options. This narrative represents what some unfortunate patients go through. As treating physicians we would benefit to better acquaint ourselves with our patient’s path to our front door.