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Rediscovering the meaning in medicine: Lessons from the dying on the ethics of experience

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 April 2005

JAMES DUFFY
JAMES DUFFY
Affiliation:
University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut University of Connecticut Huntington's Disease Center, Farmington, Connecticut
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Abstract

Modern medicine is currently confronting a crisis of meaning that is manifesting in a dispirited and demoralized profession. Palliative medicine and the care of patients with incurable diseases provide clinicians with an opportunity to rediscover the meaning in their work. In particular, with its emphasis on compassion, palliative medicine reconnects us to the Socratic ideal and an “ethics of experience.” Our rediscovery of this perennial philosophy is necessary if we are to develop the wisdom necessary to containing our enormous scientific capabilities.

Keywords

CompassionEthicsMeaningPalliativePhysician wellness

Information

Type
ESSAY/PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
Information
Palliative & Supportive Care , Volume 2 , Issue 2 , June 2004 , pp. 207 - 211
Copyright
© 2004 Cambridge University Press

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