'The doctor knows best' revisited: physician perspectives

An ethnographic study was undertaken to observe in vivo medical encounters between oncology physicians and breast cancer patients. The aim of the study was to gain an inside view of how physicians and patients conceptualize the decision making process during cancer diagnosis and treatment. The confluence of the changes in the role of women in society, the shifting requirements for the delivery of medical services and a complex array of medical options have all contributed to changes in the role of the physician from 'the doctor knows best' to a more reciprocal role. The study revealed physician-patients perspectives that may facilitate future medical encounters. In addition, some troubling practices were observed that raise dilemmas about the parameters of informed consent and ethical concerns regarding how medical options are presented.