ABSTRACT
A journal article, The inner life of physicians and care of the seriously ill,’ opens up a Pandora’s Box as it unbuttons that sterile veneer of objectivity, the white coat, and displays a host of emotions that may adversely affect both quality of care and physician well-being. Infants and children can be delightful (and embarrassingly honest) when they express their emotions spontaneously and openly. The faculty in the anatomy laboratory role-modeled silence as an appropriate way of dealing with emotions. For medical students, so much knowledge must be acquired in four short years that it is far more expedient to create an environment where the experience and expression of emotions is simply discouraged, than it is to incorporate programs that facilitate personal reflection and incorporation of emotions. Contrary to the prevailing introject that personal well-being and patient care are best served by students and physicians examining and controlling their emotions, authentic communication requires access to a full range of emotions.
