Patch Adams
What is the overall message of the movie?
The overall message of Patch Adams is that science and medicine do not need to be stripped of all humanity for results to be reached. The fact that medical doctors treat patients like problems to be solved rather than human beings with an illness has meant continued mental suffering within patients, particularly cancer victims. Patch's health center has helped hundreds of thousands of patients who required urgent care but who could not afford it. Despite several setbacks for Patch, his mission to provide free health care in West Virginia has continued, and he has become a better person because of it.
Describe how certain characters used empathy with specific examples.
Patch uses empathy in his approach to the female lead, Carin. His high spirits and humor were directed towards her in her time of emotional need. Her confessions to Patch, and his subsequent reassurance created a bond between patient and doctor. Carin's empathetic feelings toward Larry resulted in her death, but it was with good intentions that Carin approached Larry in the first place.
Discuss the potential downfalls of becoming too close to your patients.
Patients in the health business are fragile beings, and need to be looked after with care. This care, however, can lead to regret and remorse, two feelings that are contrary to the well being of a healthcare professional. Patients suffering or dying under your care is a stressful enough event, and the closer you get to a patient, the worse the resulting pain will become. It is important to create a mental divide between friendship and work, or else stress will overcome even the most seasoned doctor.
Is humor beneficial in a health setting? Explain
Humor is a universal remedy for stress in moments of intense pressure on an individual. There is no downside to humor, and most patients appreciate the gesture far more than the cold professionalism that some doctors exhibit. Creating a healthier setting is also beneficial for the doctor, as he or she will be able to better instruct and reassure the patient in their time of need. I therefore will utilize the positive energy that humor can bring in order to create a more pleasant atmosphere in consultations with patients.
How would you apple the lessons learned from this movie to your own professional life?
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