Case Studies
in the Art of Patient Care


My experiences in patient care over the years have taught me many things about doctors, patients, families, the health care system and the human condition. These experiences are not unique to me. Most primary care physicians have been exposed to many of the same issues, worries, concerns, sadness and joy presented here. Looking at things from another person's perspective is always a good exercise, I think. It helps us to be more flexible and broader-minded in how we approach our patients and our lives in general.

On this page, I will be adding stories of my own experiences and those of others, reported anonymously, unless otherwise noted, so that we all can gain a better understanding of what taking care of patients is all about.


Listening to Patients - This is the key to proper diagnosis and treatment. It also improves the doctor-patient relationship. Not listening is one of the most common complaints people have about healthcare professionals.

Grief Reactions Associated with Prolonged Illnesses - The relief afterwards can be misinterpreted by superficial bystanders.

Interesting Patients - What makes a patient interesting? It has as much or more to do with the perception and attitude by the provider than it does about the patient's illness.

Among Friends - A case report of the importance of love and friendship at the end of life.

Standard of Care - A case study to help identify how the standard of care currently appears to be established.

Primum non Nocere We understand the need for proper utilization of medical resources, but knowingly causing potential harm to patients to reduce costs should not be part of the equation.

Afterlife - Is there an afterlife? Should we use this to help comfort patients as they are dying?

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This page was last updated on February 9, 2019


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