CODE FOR PATIENTS

[Guest guest]

Dr. Stan's

'CODE OF ETHICAL BEHAVIOR FOR PATIENTS'

 

1. DO NOT EXPECT YOUR DOCTOR TO SHARE YOUR DISCOMFORT.

Involvement with the patient's suffering

might cause him to lose valuable

scientific objectivity.

 

2. BE CHEERFUL AT ALL TIMES.

Your doctor leads a busy and trying life

and requires all the gentleness

and reassurance he can get.

 

3. TRY TO SUFFER FROM THE DISEASE

FOR WHICH YOU ARE BEING TREATED.

Remember that your doctor has a professional

reputation to uphold.

 

4. DO NOT COMPLAIN IF THE TREATMENT

FAILS TO BRING RELIEF.

You must believe that your doctor has achieved a deep

insight into the true nature of your illness,

which transcends any mere permanent

disability you may have experienced.

 

5. NEVER ASK YOUR DOCTOR TO EXPLAIN WHAT HE IS DOING

OR WHY HE IS DOING IT.

It is presumptuous to assume that

such profound matters

could be explained in terms that you would understand.

 

6. SUBMIT TO NOVEL EXPERIMENTAL TREATMENT READILY.

Though the surgery

may not benefit you directly, the resulting research

paper will surely be of widespread interest.

 

7. PAY YOUR MEDICAL BILLS PROMPTLY AND WILLINGLY. You

should consider it a privilege to contribute, however

modestly, to the well-being of

physicians and other humanitarians.

 

8. DO NOT SUFFER FROM AILMENTS THAT YOU CANNOT AFFORD.

It is sheer arrogance to contract illnesses that are

beyond your means.

 

9. NEVER REVEAL ANY OF THE SHORTCOMINGS THAT HAVE COME

TO LIGHT IN

THE COURSE OF TREATMENT BY YOUR DOCTOR. The

patient-doctor

relationship is a privileged one,

and you have a sacred duty to

protect him from exposure.

 

10. NEVER DIE WHILE IN YOUR DOCTOR'S PRESENCE OR UNDER

HIS DIRECT

CARE.

This will only cause him needless inconvenience and

embarrassment.