BMJ  2004;329:380 (14 August), doi:10.1136/bmj.329.7462.380

Filler

For the pleasure of their company

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

It was a normal surgery, nothing exciting, the usual complaints. Patients came and went. On looking back, however, I find that three patients stand out.

One patient gave me a hug, another told me that I was the best doctor in the world, and the third played a song for me with great care and feeling. Such encounters are not common; in fact, they are unique. The hug was given before I had time to anticipate it; the compliment was well meant without any hidden agenda; and the song—well, that was quite a treat on a grey winter morning.

It so happened that all three men had Down's syndrome, and any concern about having a too familiar relationship with their doctor wouldn't cross their minds. What they also had in common was their total dedication to and enjoyment of the moment, of an encounter with me. I know they will . . . [Full text of this article]

Marga Hogenboom, general practitioner

Camphill Medical Practice, Aberdeen


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