Firstly, the language used by the healthcare professionals when communicating with Vivian is unethical. This immoral behaviour is showcased in the opening scene when Vivian has her first consultation with Dr. Kelekian. Dr. Kelekian uses formal medical terms when describing her cancer and her treatment, “invasive epithelial carcinoma...chemotherapeutic agent”. Terms that no-one but a medical professional would have heard before. Dr. Kelekian fails to notice Vivian’s shocked and confused facial expression. I could never imagine speaking to a patient like this. I would always break the news to them in terms they could understand.
Furthermore, communication with patients was unprofessional. For example, Vivian is treated with very little respect by the technicians when she must undergo several tests before her treatment. The technician is very rude and impatient. His body language shows that he does not want to deal with Vivian. This unprofessionalism is evident again when the radiation therapist blames Vivian for her wheelchair going missing. Her …show more content…
For example, Dr. Kelekian does not mention side effects regarding Vivian’s treatment during their consultation. Vivian seems to learn more about her treatment when it is convenient to the medical professionals. This is apparent in the scene where “Grand Rounds” begin. The side effects of Vivian’s treatment are discussed amongst the doctors as they tower over her hospital bed, looking upon her as if she were nothing but “a significant contribution to our knowledge”. The side effects that arise are, myelosuppression and nephrotoxicity, which Vivian is forced to look up herself as she wants “to know what the doctors mean when they anatomize” her. I was astonished that the healthcare professionals could leave Vivian with so many unanswered questions about her