In the 1991 film entitled "The Doctor", William Hurt plays Dr. Jack MaKee, a cardiothoracic surgeon dealing with problems related to newly diagnosed laryngeal cancer. MaKee is introduced in the film as a successful and respected doctor, quite expert in his surgical skills who, together with his colleagues, performs procedures and interacts casually with patients, referring to them as diagnoses rather than as people who appear to have Jack's affairs with his wife and his son has suffered due to Jack's work hours and time away from home. Jack's wife has apparently created a personal and professional existence devoid of Jack's presence, while Jack's son only interacts with his father through. telephone conversations Although Jack lives in a nice home, amply providing for the basic needs of his family and himself, Jack's life consists only of long, frequent workdays, with a history of family neglect on a personal level, complete with repeated inattention to important events for both his wife and son. Early in the film, we learn that MaKee has been experiencing symptoms related to an as-yet-undiagnosed problem. Jack visits an older, small-town doctor and family friend who simply prescribes an antibiotic to treat MaKee's symptoms. In the midst of a road trip, following another forgotten event to support his wife's personal and professional interests, Jack's symptoms worsen, prompting him to seek a doctor with more experience and knowledge to diagnose his condition. Jack casually makes an appointment with a specialist, recommended by his close group of friends and medical colleagues, not only because this person is competent, but also because she is an "attractive" woman. MaKee's mindset and approach to dating... middle of paper... K's repeated writings of the words "I need you" to his wife seem ethically and morally conflicting to Ann as in the midst of all that that happened between Jack and Ann, his message is so blatantly out of place for Jack's communication style. Initially, Jack's choice of words may represent Jack's true need for his wife's help, as he is dependent on her due to his medical condition. It soon becomes clear that Jack's verbiage represents his true emotions, and when Jack utters his first words to his wife after surgery, the repair of Jack and Ann's relationship truly begins. “The Doctor” presented interesting and emotional concepts that accurately represent the philosophies and behaviors of many medical professionals. Perhaps his vision would be beneficial to members of our medical community and provide a framework for personalizing patient care.