Study Guide: The Doctor
1. Sometimes, as ‘doctors’ we may feel (consciously or unconsciously) that
somehow we are different, how does “The Doctor” illustrate this point?
2. What ‘things’ do we do to patients without a second thought?
3. Think about your last visit to the doctor-as a patient- what did the doctor do to put
you at ease? What made you uncomfortable?
4. What challenges does ‘Dr McKee’ face on becoming a patient?
5. “Get in, Fix it, Get out” –describe the similarities between Dr McKee and his
ENT surgeon? Do you agree with Dr McKee’s philosophy on the role of the
surgeon and detachment?
6. How could Jack’s doctors have prepared him for his treatment?
7. What is the impact of his cancer on Jack’s relationships with others-both personal
and professional?
8. How does it feel when ‘one of us’ gets cancer? How would you want to be
treated?
9. June tells Jack: “I’m dying, please don’t wait my time” –What lesson does June
teach Jack about the truth?
10. What do you think this film says about the role of goal setting in the face of a
terminal illness?
11. What impact does having cancer ultimately have on Jack’s professional life?
12. Jack tells his trainees: unless you have experienced being a patient, we cannot
fully appreciate what being a patient means? Discuss
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