The evolving physician-patient relationship: equal partnership, more responsibility

The physician-patient relationship has undergone enormous changes over the last decade, highlighted by the transition from physician-dominance to patient-centeredness. Accompanied with this drastic shift in patients’ role comes more responsibilities for us. Unfortunately, due to the rapidity of this transformation and the lack of education regarding their new responsibilities, it seems as if patients have been propelled into this new role with little assistance and resources for their success. By educating and making patients aware of these responsibilities improvements in their health can be realized.