Doctor and patient : Papers on the relationship of the physician to men and institutions

In this thoughtful compilation, a seasoned Harvard professor reflects on what it means to be a doctor beyond the stethoscope. Drawing from lectures, journal articles, and wartime experiences, he explores how physicians can balance scientific rigor with genuine compassion for those they treat. The essays examine the everyday dynamics of the doctor‑patient encounter, emphasizing communication, respect, and the responsibility to see the person behind the disease.

He also turns a critical eye toward the laboratory, the broader health system, and the physician’s role in society, asking how each can serve the public good without losing its human touch. Interwoven with anecdotes from his own clinic, the writing invites listeners to consider the ethical underpinnings of modern medicine and the lasting impact of bedside kindness. The collection offers a timeless, humanistic perspective that still resonates with today’s medical professionals and anyone interested in the art of healing.