Talking to Patients in the 21st Century

Abstract

Styles of parenting and practicing medicine have followed remarkably similar trajectories over the last half-century, with authoritarian tones firmly banished from both arenas, and the old phrases of admonition and advice overhauled to communicate cheerful encouragement, mutual understanding, and respect. It is only a matter of time before “Good job!” and its equivalents are heard as often in the nation's examination rooms as on its playgrounds.