ABSTRACT
Although the doctor-patient relationship is assumed to be driven by altruism, caring, and compassion, there are other less benevolent elements at work as well. In addition to the assumption of a doctor-patient relationship based on caring, there are other inbuilt assumptions to the relationship that can also create difficulties. Especially during their second year, students tended to form highly positive impressions of physicians whom they observed during tag-alongs and other clinical exposure. As students proceeded in their training, some continued to tell restitution stories that confirmed or restored assumptions about a "just universe". In a typical journey poem, a heroin user, battling the demon of addiction, has experienced sadness and loss. Filled with emptiness and longing, she embarks on a quest and discovers that her doctor, a wise guide, is there to help. Many poems become a respectful act of witnessing the healing power of an affirming doctor-patient relationship.
