The Student-Patient Relationship: A Student's Perspective on the Grey Areas

The initial phase of observational contact with patients in emergency situations or sufferers of chronic ailments is vital in molding the theoretical mind in a more practical direction and leaves an indelible mark. Here I am reminded of an incident where a patient with renal cell carcinoma presenting as 'lump in abdomen', pointed out to the discussing group of students that his chances of survival were not 'slim' as they thought, since he had already been informed by the treating doctor that the disease was in its initial stages and very well amenable to surgery.