2009-The Physician of the Future English and Catalan

F UNDACIÓN E DUCACIÓN M ÉDICA (FEM) 60 2.4. An individually and socially responsible physician $e new physician will steer clear of believing in the achievability of perfect health, and will be aware of the limits of medicine in regard to individual and community health. Hemust knowhow to deal with patient expectations in order to make clear the bene"ts of disease prevention, health promotion and early diagnosis through population screenings. He will know how to involve patients in joint decision-making processes geared to rational and e#cient use of resources, tacking into account those proven and rejecting those of dubious bene"ts. At all times he will explain the limits of medicine, the inevitability of sickness and death in terms adequate to each case and circumstance. Patients and their relatives expect physicians to deal with these serious matters ina calmand respectfulmannerwithnohesitations or subterfuges. Failure to do so and leaving such tasks in the hands of other health care professionals weakens trust in doctors who then become highly quali"ed technicians capable only of applying scienti"c-technical measures.