Obstetricians and obstetrical residents (N=70) were polled on their attitudes regarding stillbirth and simultaneously were assessed for their level of death threat as measured by the Threat Index. No effect of death threat level on attitudes toward stillbirth was observed, even when extreme scores were isolated and compared. (Author/NRB)

Concentrates on the joint issues of suicide and euthanasia in the context of the doctor-patient relationship. A new evaluation of suicide prevention and euthanasia, especially as they relate to the training of medical students and doctors, is advocated. (Author/BL)

Major factors which affect physician-parent communication are the physician's knowledge of developmental problems, the physician's attitude toward handicapped children, and the physician's skill in communicating with parents. (Author)

Analyzes sessions in which medical professionals, along with patient and researcher interventionists, discuss the care of a patient with multiple chronic illnesses, aiming at the creation of a new, collaborative care practice. (Author/VWL)

Analysis of interactions among 377 patients and 38 physicians, compared to their self-reports, showed that neither doctors nor patients accurately reported health counseling discussions nor agreed about what was discussed. Smoking and diet discussions were most accurately reported, physical activity, alcohol, and stress discussions less so. (SK)

Discusses research on the focus and functions of language in medical practice and training. Four specific areas are highlighted: (1) speaking to patients; (2) speaking with patients; (3) speaking about patients; and (4) speaking by patients. Example studies are cited in each section, and the contributions and limitations in each topic are noted.…

Discusses how "mindbody" medicine has become the most prominent version of alternative medicine in the United States. Notes that it advocates an equality of patient and physicians in the deliberative process of treating illness and maintaining health; it also argues, on scientific grounds, that the body is a vast cellular democracy,…

This paper describes an experiment in which Family Medicine residents composed, read, and discussed their poems as a way of bringing to life their often complex relationships with patients. It argues that this approach mobilizes the physicians' own creativity in the service of reflective practice and improved doctor-patient relationships. This…

In the summer of 2004, a number of psychotherapists with old ties to the University of Michigan or UCLA decided to write 500-word vignettes that attempted to capture a turning point in one of their child patient's psychotherapies. What did the child and adolescent psychiatrist do to elicit such a moment? Upon receiving seven vignettes, one of us…

Many efforts to teach and evaluate physician-patient communication are based on two assumptions: first, that communication can be conceptualized as consisting of specific observable behaviors, and second, that physicians who exhibit certain behaviors are more effective in communicating with patients. These assumptions are usually implicit, and are…

The authors' goal was to identify factors explaining intention to encourage a patient to follow complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatment among general practitioners (GPs), fourth-year medical students, and residents in family medicine. They surveyed 500 GPs and 904 medical students via a self-administered mailed questionnaire that…

Family physicians are trained to work with families in the provision of primary medical care, and many provide family counseling. These physicians face many of the same ethical conflicts with which family therapists are confronted. The primary physician-patient relationship modifies these conflicts and creates new and vexing problems. (Author)

Describes the fundamental difference between complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and holistic medicine, highlighting holistic medicine's emphasis on the promotion of healthy lifestyles for practitioners and patients alike. Asserts that offering physicians-to-be more course work in holistic medicine could lay the groundwork for future…

Describes a survey of 740 board-certified family practitioners and pediatricians regarding their training in child-care issues, frequency of discussing child care during office visits, and their attitudes regarding specific medical and developmental issues related to child care. Indicates that 39% of the physicians felt uncomfortable discussing…

The care of prominent individuals and families has been a key element of medicine from its very inception and contributed in no small part to the respect, regard, and at times even political leverage that have been historically conferred upon physicians. The tension that can naturally ensue from having to be firm, to set limits, and to be an open…