White Nights

Ann Fam Med. 2016 Jan-Feb;14(1):79-80. doi: 10.1370/afm.1884.

Abstract

"How can you sleep at night after you ruined my life?" Arthur, a veteran patient of mine, implored after receiving his test results. This essay recounts my experience as a physician in coping with an extremely anxious patient, its influence on me, and some of my reflections on the ensuing white nights.

Keywords: anxiety; family physician; family practice; physician-patient relationship.

Publication types

  • Personal Narrative

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Anxiety / psychology*
  • Communication
  • Humans
  • Medical Errors / psychology
  • Physician's Role / psychology*
  • Physician-Patient Relations*