Code of Ethical Patient Behavior

1. DO NOT EXPECT YOUR DOCTOR TO SHARETREATMENT READILY.
YOUR DISCOMFORT.Though the surgery may not benefit you directly, the
Involvement with the patient's suffering might causeresulting research paper will surely be of widespread
him to lose valuable scientific objectivity.2. BEinterest.7. PAY YOUR MEDICAL BILLS PROMPTLY
CHEERFUL AT ALL TIMES.AND WILLINGLY.
Your doctor leads a busy and trying life and requiresYou should consider it a privilege to contribute,
all the gentleness and reassurance he can get.3. TRYhowever modestly, to the well-being of physicians and
TO SUFFER FROM THE DISEASE FOR WHICHother humanitarians.8. DO NOT SUFFER FROM
YOU ARE BEING TREATED.AILMENTS THAT YOU CANNOT AFFORD.
Remember that your doctor has a professionalIt is sheer arrogance to contract illnesses that are
reputation to uphold.4. DO NOT COMPLAIN IF THEbeyond your means.9. NEVER REVEAL ANY OF
TREATMENT FAILS TO BRING RELIEF.THE SHORTCOMINGS THAT HAVE COME TO
You must believe that your doctor has achieved aLIGHT IN THE COURSE OF TREATMENT BY
deep insight into the true nature of your illness, whichYOUR DOCTOR.
transcends any mere permanent disability you mayThe patient-doctor relationship is a privileged one, and
have experienced.5. NEVER ASK YOUR DOCTORyou have a sacred duty to protect him from
TO EXPLAIN WHAT HE IS DOING OR WHY HE ISexposure.10. NEVER DIE WHILE IN YOUR
DOING IT.DOCTOR'S PRESENCE OR UNDER HIS DIRECT
It is presumptuous to assume that such profoundCARE.
matters could be explained in terms that you wouldThis will only cause him needless inconvenience and
understand.6. SUBMIT TO NOVEL EXPERIMENTALembarrassment.