[The doctor-patient relationship: new psychological models]

The physician-patient relationship involves both ethical and psychological aspects. The notion of empathy has been extensively described, and this "asymmetric dialogue" has been shown capable of affecting patient behavior. The Internet, and particularly medical websites, are modifying the physician-patient relationship by providing patients with knowledge of their disease, and are changing the social perception of medicine. More recent theories on medical relationships underline the importance of patience, tolerance and the ability to accept opposition and disappointment.