Sharing Vulnerabilities in the Woman Patient/Doctor Encounter

Abstract

This article is an examination of the doctor–woman patient encounter through a vulnerability lens. This relationship has been traditionally been critiqued as a paternalistic encounter in which the remedy was to recognize the patient’s rights of autonomy. In this article, it is suggested that a more helpful approach is to recognize the vulnerability of both the patient and doctor. This encourages an interaction that involves seeking a mutual and collaborative response to the issues facing the patient.