Puiu Mara Midena

MG II, 4th series, 25th group

23 July y

The story of Vivian Bearing, a professor of English Literature, specializing in the work
of Seventeenth Century poet John Donne is an inspiring and educational lesson for us, as
medical students. After watching the movie, one of the main subjects that remained stocked
inside my head was the relationship between the doctor and the patient.
Based on a real story, the movie shows the real truth which lies between the hospital
rooms. What happens to Vivian Bearing is something that happens to people all the time, and
there has never been a film before or since that will put you more in touch with what it feels
like, from the incredulity born at the moment of diagnosis to the acceptance of the reality of
it.
In my opinion, the relationship between the doctor and the patient should be simple,
based on trust and openness. As the movie presents, patients are often treated in the hospital
more like objects, not as human beings. Doctors tend to be superficial, are always on the rush
and as a result there is a lack of communication and compatibility between the doctor and the
patient. Unfortunately, as this relationship becomes colder, there is also a decrease in the
quality of the medical service.
Furthermore, the patient should be placed first on the list of the doctors priorities. Only
by understanding what the patient feels and what is really his problem you get to understand
what you should do next. Being able to communicate openly and having a cooperative patient
who trusts you is one of the most valuable assets a doctor could have.
All in all, I believe that after watching this movie I changed somehow my point of view.
In the future I am confident that I will try to listen to the patient and I will think twice before
doing something which could harm the patient.