This is a straightforward and virtuous pledge that shows that the doctor sincerely cares about a patient and wants the best outcome of therapy possible, ending up with the best prognosis for that patient and his or her family.

Before proceeding with any medical or surgical procedure, physician counsel is mandatory regarding a recommended course of action. A California physician is required by law to obtain “an informed consent to medical treatment.” Not obtaining this vitally important consent is medical battery (unlawful application of force upon another) and this is the most basic breach of confidence that a physician must reject or renounce if he or she cares  the least bit about the patient and wants to be successful in his or her practice. 

A doctor-patient contract must demonstrate clear communication on the part of the doctor  and his or her assurance that the patient “gets it.” It is the doctor’s responsibility to completely define the mechanism of the illness or disease to explain why treatment is necessary.  And  it is mandatory to define what the benefits and risks of that treatment are.  Then, if there are alternative treatment options, those same benefits and risks must be outlined to the patient. And finally, the doctor must describe the natural history the disease if no therapy is chosen by the patient, including the ongoing suffering , pain, and eventual death if the disease is one which kills.  So, if a doctor is not completely honest and thorough in the consent process, he or she is liable for battery simply for not obtaining it. 

The style of presentation is everything when considering the communication between the doctor and patient. It is caring  that makes that communication come off without a hitch,  and it is near impossible to be trusted if any social ineptness is detected in the physician.  Those qualities of caring are kindness, gentleness, patience, peacefulness, and  compassionate simplicity, all very easy to accomplish and quick because of repetition  and love of job.  It makes the patient highly educated and confident and willing to take the risk, satisfied that he or she is working with the best in the business.