We Are More Than Our Tools: The Value of Presence in the Physician-Patient Relationship

Abstract

The changes to the healthcare landscape over the past several years—shifts in resource management and access to treatment— have increased the complexity of patient care in my practice. I often find myself striving for advanced treatments that will address patients’ needs. A recent patient experience reminded me that even the most sophisticated treatment plan with the most modern or innovative protocol always needs to be interwoven with an authentic, heart-based connection.