Doctors and patients dance together
BMJ 2002; 325 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/sbmj.0211439 (Published 01 November 2002) Cite this as: BMJ 2002;325:0211439
- Arthur Smith, writer and performer1
- 1London
Doctor and patient sway together in an eternal dance. They need each other, and you cannot describe one without reference to the other. I never had much need for doctors until I was 47, at which point I seemed to have the need for lots of them. Lying in bed in hospital all day I was able to observe them in their natural habitat. I learnt not to worry about staring because doctors do not see you except when its your turn.
Arthur Smiths 15 rules for doctors
Make sure no one dies and everyone gets better
Do not be embarrassed to say, “I dont know”
Use metaphors, but make sure they make sense
Acquire an illness once a year and subject yourself to a week in hospital
Try not to turn up to work with a hangover
Remain forever curious
If, as a medical student, you feel the need to do a revue at the Edinburgh Festival, make sure the women have decent …
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