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The Doctor

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The Doctor

The Doctor is a 1991 drama film directed by Randa Haines and starring William Hurt

as Jack McKee, a doctor diagnosed with throat cancer who experiences firsthand the realities

of the medical profession. While the film is primarily centered around McKee's cancer

diagnosis, it also explores the issues surrounding the medical practice, including the pressures

of providing quality healthcare and the complexity of medical decisions. Through exploring

these issues, The Doctor provides insight into the complexities of the healthcare system and

its impact on patients and practitioners.

One positive healthcare performance issue depicted in the film is the importance of a

doctor-patient relationship. Jack's journey of self-discovery begins when he meets Dr.

Christine Loolis (Christine Lahti), his new Doctor. She takes an interest in him, listens to his

concerns, and takes the time to get to know him (Movies, 2012). This allows Jack to open up

to her and trust her, which leads to a better doctor-patient relationship. In today's medical

system, it is essential to have a strong doctor-patient relationship. This enables doctors to

understand better their patient's needs, which can lead to improved diagnosis and treatment.

Another positive healthcare performance issue highlighted in the film is the

importance of communication between doctors and patients. Dr. Loolis is a strong advocate

for her patients and is willing to take the time to explain medical terminology and procedures

in terms that her patients can understand (Movies, 2012). She also encourages her patients to

ask questions and be part of the decision-making process regarding their healthcare. This type

of communication is essential for a successful doctor-patient relationship, as it allows both

parties to be more informed and involved in the treatment plan.

A negative healthcare performance issue shown in the film is the lack of empathy for

patients. When Jack is first diagnosed with throat cancer, he is immediately given a prognosis

and told to prepare for the worst. The Doctor offers little emotional support or empathy, and
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Jack feels alone and scared (Movies, 2012). Unfortunately, this type of experience is common

in today's medical system, as many doctors truly lack the empathy and emotional support to

understand their patients' needs.

The film also highlights the issue of medical malpractice. Jack's initial Doctor fails to

diagnose his throat cancer promptly, leading to a more serious diagnosis and a worse

prognosis. This type of negligence is unfortunately all too common in today's medical

system, as some doctors fail to take the time to diagnose a patient's condition properly.

Finally, The Doctor also explores the issue of burnout among medical professionals.

This is highlighted when Dr. McKee struggles to cope with his diagnosis and the demands of

his profession (Movies, 2012). He feels overwhelmed and exhausted, leading him to take a

sabbatical from his practice. This scene reminds medical professionals of the importance of

self-care to prevent burnout and ensure that they provide the best care possible for their

patients.

Overall, The Doctor effectively explores a variety of healthcare performance issues.

Through exploring these issues, the film provides insight into the complexities of the

healthcare system and the pressures medical professionals and patients face. It highlights the

importance of delivering quality care, making informed medical decisions, communicating

effectively, and practicing self-care to ensure that the best care possible is provided to

patients.
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Reference

Movies, Y. T. (2012, March 20). The doctor. YouTube. Retrieved January 18, 2023, from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eltlNK08TeQ