ABSTRACT
The internship is a period of transition and stress in which time the student is expected to toughen up and become a competent physician. Mood disturbances increase and empathetic concern for patients decreases. The patient, helpless and exposed in a flimsy gown lying on her back on an examination table, may experience the physician as the epitome of power and control. Many patients, particularly ones with chronic illness, prefer to have an active role in the management of their disease process and overall health. They will frequently utilize their physicians primarily as consultants. Physicians, too, want more autonomy and control, and their reclaiming genuine personal and professional empowerment may lessen the need for power to be displaced over others, in particular, patients. It is almost impossible to experience power if you are overwhelmed by the too much to do, too little time phenomenon.
