My patient who has come in with his wife for a visit hands me
Sheets of paper tabulating his vital signs that I can see
There are notes in the margin indicating symptoms as well
The record-keeping is impeccable, and I can tell
That the patient and his wife have painstakingly
Followed each instruction to the letter “T”
His medication list is meticulously maintained and updated
He has shown better compliance than I had anticipated
*
On the other hand, when as a patient to my appointments I go
I am completely disorganized, I know
Doctors make the worst patients, that aphorism I exemplify
I cannot seem to follow medical advice properly, even when I try
Cognitively I understand my doctor is right
But my obstinate brain still wants to fight
About fifty percent of the time I follow advice
The rest of the time my compliance does not suffice..
*
Maybe from my compliant patient I should learn
How to be a good patient and the doctor’s approval earn..
Passion...unbridled 
One of my doctors was married to a doctor. I can only imagine how their conversations go at home. His wife would tell him he should wait an hour after taking a certain medication. He said, “Phooey on that. Thirty minutes is fine.” Made me laugh!
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