A Glimpse From Behind the Mask: Thoughts from the Old Clinician

Abstract

This is an article/essay with focus on the question of the conflict between professional mystique and transparency in the clinician-patient relationship. Implied is the assumption that the professional “mask” influences treatment outcome and can distort or enhance the genuine nature of the relationship between those being served and those who serve them. The simple purpose of the question asked in the article is to stimulate discussion as to the relative utility of the professional mystique and professional transparency as to the degree that each influences treatment outcome and clinician satisfaction.