Toward a conceptual reexamination of the patient-physician relationship in the healthcare institution for the new millennium.

There is a crisis in the patient-physician relationship. Mass media, managed care and malpractice are just a few factors that contribute to a lack of trust, understanding and loyalty in the patient-physician relationship. We have experienced some select concepts within the Society, Culture and Personality (SCP) model. In it, we explore how social class, age, race, ethnicity and family background of the patient impact upon the patient-physician relationships. The analysis of the sick role is most prominent, and in this interactive process empathy must be given to each person who seeks medical help.