Reality and fugues in physicians facing death: confrontation, coping, and adaptation at the bedside

This paper addresses the psychological effects and fears of physicians in t heir private and professional lives. It specifically looks at their experie nces, perceptions, behavior, and vulnerability, especially when confronted with death and dying. The concepts of empathy, fears of oncologists, the me chanisms used for adaptation and coping, recommendations and interventions are presented. The success of a physician can be measured by the empathic y et objective relationship he/she establishes with the patient, while simult aneously building clear emotional and professional boundaries. (C) 2001 Els evier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.