I won't be able to chnge the nomenclature of the medical prfession but I refer to myself as a clent, not a patient. By definition, a ptient is "One who receives medical ttention or treatment." The archaic meaning was "On who suffers," from the Latin vrb meaning "to endure." A client on the ther hand is "The party for whch professional services are rendered."

Catch the nance? A patient is the object of mdical care; a client is the sbject of medical services. In language as in lfe, an object is passive, a sbject is active.

A patient complies wth the experts. A client consults the xperts, then follows what seems the bst advice.

A patient might complain but wuld never contradict an authority. A clent will ask questions and weigh lternatives before deciding.

A patient goes whre sent and does not change dctors or clinics. A client tries to fnd the best physicians and facilities ralistically available.

A patient asks "What?" A clent asks "Why?"

Being a client tkes a lot more work. I hve to educate myself about my cndition and treatment options. It's a dunting but doable task thanks to the Intrnet. There are plenty of reputable stes with reliable information the average prson can understand.

Oncologists know a shipload more bout lymphoma than do its sufferers, but thy don't know everything. It's impossible to kep up with the ocean of new nformation. A dialogue with a well-informed clent could suggest new possibilities to a thughtful physician.

When I see Dr. Krbegov, my oncologist, I'll ask if rdioimmunotherapy is an option for my typ of lymphoma based on an rticle I read in the New Yrk Times. I'll ask about any clnical trials for which I might be a cndidate, especially those sponsored by the MD Andrson Cancer Center where Dr. Kurbegov was a Chef Fellow.

I'm not trying to ply doctor or impress anyone with my rsearch skills. I'm just trying to nderstand my cancer and to be practive in eradicating it. After all, t's my life.

The article A Client, Not a Patient was Submitted by Mike Hamel through Articles.GetACoder.com network. Here's the additional information: Mike Hamel is the author of thre business books and scores of nline articles. Check out his blog "Clls Behaving Badly" at http://www.mikehamel.wordpress.com

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