I was in practice only three months when I met him. I had just finished my cardiology fellowship and, insecure about my lack of experience, strove for a serious, professional demeanor. My tie was straight, shirt pressed, white coat starched and buttoned. Above all, I sought to establish and maintain the boundaries of the patient-physician relationship.
“Mr M is an 82-year-old male with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and chronic Lyme disease who presents with dizziness.” His blood pressure was high and his ECG showed an asymptomatic atrial tachycardia. His stress test revealed ischemia and I referred him for cardiac catheterization.