Perspectives: Fourteen Aphorisms - From Problem Solving to Relationship Building

Dr. David Loxterkamp has been practicing as a primary care physician for over thirty years in Belfast, Maine, United States of America. He is a frequent writer on issues related to primary care and has recently published a book titled ‘What matters in medicine; Lessons from a life in primary care'. Towards the middle of the book he puts forward fourteen aphorisms for physicians with special relevance for primary care practice. In this manuscript the author briefly examines these aphorisms and describes their profound possible influence on modern medical practice, healthcare and medical education. The author is of the opinion that Dr Loxterkamp's observations and concepts born from and honed by over thirty years of practice as primary care physician in Belfast, Maine, United States should be read by all physicians and especially by medical students in training.