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THE PROGNOSIS OF SYPHILIS
Author(s) -
H. B. Jones
Publication year - 1923
Publication title -
medical journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1326-5377
pISSN - 0025-729X
DOI - 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1923.tb65190.x
Subject(s) - syphilis , citation , medicine , computer science , family medicine , library science , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv)
MY subject, The Prognosis of Syphilis, is chosen in due consideration of the fact that this topic is one of medicine's most intricate problems. Moreover, unless one has a clear conception of the exact position, one is quite unable to answer the questions which the patient is sure to ask on recovery from the shock on establishment of the diagnosis of syphilis. By authoritative replies to such questions much can be done to rectify the attitude of confusion and degradation which exists. What is more important and essential than to help patients to readjust themselves to such misfortunes? Preaching and moralising are taboo. Medical men are interested in health, not morals. So long as there is no anxiety for medical advice, it is not sought, and when fears arise they may not be expressed, though often severely realised. But it is well that the physician should appreciate that fear is present and that it is no less real because it is not confessed.. What the patient is really saying is: "What does this symptom or loss of efficiency mean to me in my future?" "Can you, doctor, make me well?"l The prognosis cannot be given unless the progress of the disease present is known, and also the stage at which it has been reached, and the value of curative treatment available clearly understood.2