Getting Rid of Patients: Contradictions in the Socialization of Physicians.

The results of this interesting, provocative study indicate that a multitude of factors, including the structure of the health care system, increasing advances in medical technology, and pressures generated by the SAMS program are likely to foster a pronounced dehumanizing of physician-patient relationships.

Abstract

Sociologist Mizrahi's research was designed to identify the roles that internalized value systems and situational adaptation play in the socialization of physicians. She used questionnaires, observations, and in-depth interviews with internists in a large Southern medical center (SAMS) over a three-year period with a follow-up five years later. The results of this interesting, provocative study indicate that a multitude of factorsthe structure of the health care system, increasing advances in medical technology, pressures generated by the SAMS program itselftend to foster a pronounced dehumanizing of physician-patient relationships. For the intern this influences selection of post-intern career options. Recommended for all medical, upper level academic, and professional attenion.