“Food for thought”

A narrative medicine piece, written by a general internist Armen Yerencanian, illustrates the physician-patient relationship that occurs in hospitals during in-patient stays, whether the patients are waiting for medical or surgical treatments or are post-recovery. This is a great commentary on the power dynamic between physicians and patients and it highlights the importance of food during the care period in hospital. 

In addition to the significance of meals during hospital stay, this piece sheds light on the meaning of a person’s dignity when requesting food in an attempt to control their independence and keep their autonomy.