The physician's role with the terminally ill patient

The physician encounters many issues and problems when working with the terminally ill. It is important to remember that the most important aspect of care for the dying is to maintain open and honest communication among the doctor, the patient, and the family. In brief, the physician should play a major role in helping the dying patient. Open communication and support must be continually provided by the physician, both to the dying patient and to the family. All it takes, basically, is common sense and human compassion. No matter how often the physician treats dying patients, he or she should never be casual or matter-of-fact about death. Death should always command respect and awe, but it need never terrorize us or cause us to turn away from providing help to the dying patient. Those who care for the terminally ill may find, to their surprise, that great satisfaction can be derived from this work. One becomes enriched by observing the courage of many dying patients. Therein lies the challenge and the reward.