It may have been one of the worst value propositions ever made. I know you've heard it before - 

"Hands-on care is quality care".

I have heard it more than once, be it in a clinical environment, educational program, or on social media. What makes this scenario even worse is how the public has been snowed into believing it. Clinicians have, over time, skillfully trained the public to believe this. While doing so, clinicians continue to perpetuate a myth - that quality care is inherently related to the laying-on off hands.

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On this July 4, it has now been a total of 45 days since I became a citizen of the United States. It is my very first Fourth Of July as a citizen. It’s a brave new world now, isn’t it?

It’s not like life has changed a bunch. I filled out a voter registration card. That’s a big step. I now have the right to carry a US passport. My wallet is a little emptier now that I don’t have a Permanent Resident Card. And let’s face the facts – a Canada Day celebration and an Independence Day celebration both typically involve food, fun with friends, and fireworks. Not much difference there either.

One thing that does appear more readily to me is how the values of Independence Day – and the reason for its celebration – have been forgotten, or misplaced, or perhaps even ignored. Sadly.

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Clinicians like to think they know what is best for the patient. And oftentimes, that is true. I mean, isn't that why patients come to see us?

But there is a fine, yet distinct, line between patient-centered care and paternalism. You know, the "father knows best" mentality that pervades our health care system right now. It might have been fine in the 1950's, but patients of the 2000's are becoming consumers when it comes to their health care. And rightfully so.

If we don't start paying attention, paternalism will be the demise of health care as we know it. And maybe that's a good thing.

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The words are pretty simple. The phrase sounds reasonable enough: I am what I am. Or as Popeye once noted, “I yam what I yam and I yam what I yam that I yam”. Let’s be serious: who am I to debate Popeye, right?

These words could be used in the context of being present in the moment, right here, right now, with a deep sigh of acceptance and joy. If so, they would be five wonderful words with a beautiful meaning.

The unfortunate reality is that they are rarely used in that context. Sadly, these 5 words have become symbolic of excuses, indecision, and the paralysis of analysis. There is a fine line between acceptance and apathy, a line that seems to get crossed regularly these days.

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