[Helpless helpers? Health and disease of physicians in historical perspective]

Seen from a historical perspective the health and illness of a physician is not at all his private matter; they have an impact on his relationship with his patients and the public. Drawing on sources from Graeco-Roman times up to now information referring to this subject is scarce and heterogeneous. However, it is possible to differentiate between three main concepts encompassing various periods: In those reaching approximately until 1700 the physician's personal health and recovery were his credentials of his art of healing. In the following 250 years he increasingly stylized himself as a victim in the service of his patients and science. After 1970 helpless helpers are threatened by mental illness.