Code of Ethical Behaviour for Patients

• Do not expect your doctor to share your discomfort.
• Involvement with the patient’s suffering might cause him to lose valuable scientific objectivity.
• Be cheerful at all times.
• Your doctor leads a busy and trying life and requires all the gentleness and reassurance he can get.
• Try to suffer from the disease for which you are being treated.
• Remember that your doctor has a professional reputation to uphold.
• Do not complain if the treatment fails to bring relief.
• You must believe that your doctor has achieved a deep insight into the true nature of your illness, which transcends any mere permanent disability you may have experienced.
• Never ask your doctor to explain what he is doing or why he is doing it.
• It is presumptuous to assume that such profound matters could be explained in terms that you would understand.
• Submit to novel experimental treatment readily.
• Though the surgery may not benefit you directly, the resulting research paper will surely be of widespread interest.
• Pay your medical bills promptly and willingly.
• You should consider it a privilege to contribute, however modestly, to the well-being of physicians and other humanitarians.
• Do not suffer from ailments that you cannot afford.
• It is sheer arrogance to contract illnesses that are beyond your means.
• Never reveal any of the shortcomings that have come to light in the course of treatment by your doctor.
• The patient-doctor relationship is a privileged one, and you have a sacred duty to protect him from exposure.
• Never die while in your doctor’s presence or under his direct care.
• This will only cause him needless inconvenience and embarrassment.

Will McGuffin, Author