letters to the editor
Dear Editor:
Re: Hiring patients may compromise
physician-patient relationship MD
(Dialogue Volume 11,Issue 3,2015)
In the article “Hiring patients may compromise physician-patient relationship,” the College advises against physicians hiring patients
in any capacity” and “the College also advises
physicians not to enter into any business arrangement or contract with a patient”.
This is certainly untenable in many rural areas,
and could leave the small town doctor with the
choice of either no patients or no local business
relationships or qualified staff. Even in urban
areas, is the physician to avoid the best or the
only available tradesperson for this reason?
Being in a conflict of interest is not a problem in itself. The problem arises in how the
conflict is managed. It requires awareness of
the issue, clear communication between doctor
and patient, and ongoing act ]