The Patient as Reformation - Here We Stand Part Three - Legitimate Authority and True Reform

Healthcare delivery in the U.S is in the midst of a social crisis and demands social reform. Physician-reformers must understand that the roots of this dilemma lie in a loss of legitimate authority, as it extends to the patient. Legitimate authority in medicine exists when patient-centeredness leads - with self-less advocacy that strengthens the patient bond, radical accountability that restores the public trust and extraordinary teamwork that addresses exploding complexity. Absent these, authority is simply an exercise of power. Physician-reformers must stand on the ground of patient-centeredness and debate the truth-claims of patient-centered reform.