ABSTRACT
If the physician’s importance to society had depended on an ability to reverse or materially alter the progress of disease, society would have dispensed with doctors centuries ago. The fact is, however, that in all societies over the range of known history the medicine man has been heavily relied upon despite the paucity of his resources with which to reverse or materially affect the progress of disease. For many centuries he had only his own “magic,” his authority, dedication, and spirit. Now, with more impressive weapons with which to protect his fellow man from the ravages of disease, most physicians are “too busy” to devote time to understanding their patients as people. Perhaps our concern with the technology of medicine has made us less aware of the healing force of a genuine interest in the patient.
