A Long Walk Home

Interviewing prospective medical students is a privilege. Although some who attend interview show, through their attitude or unrealistic expectations, that they are clearly unsuited, most hopeful applicants appear to be caring, empathic young people with a genuine concern for others. All medical schools now teach communication skills as an integrated part of the curriculum. So why do so many people feel hurt and let down by doctors attitudes when they are faced with the most frightening and worst possible time of their lives—the diagnosis and …