Famous Phrases of Michael Balint
“The drug ‘doctor’” (The doctor herself/himself is the most frequently prescribed medication)
- “The collusion of anonymity” (Patients may bounce from one specialist to another with nobody taking responsibility for the patient as a person)
- “The courage of one’s stupidity” (Go on, say it, you may be absolutely right and if you are not, we will probably still talk to you)
- “The mutual investment fund” (All the shared experience and trust that doctor and patient accumulate over many years in general practice)
- “The doctor’s apostolic function” (The doctor’s tendency to have unrealistic expectations of the patient based on the doctor’s own values. e.g. ‘You should give up alcohol. I never touch it.’)
Less well known sayings of Michael Balint:
“Sometimes your patients have to hit you over the head before you take any notice of them.”
- “I have heard quite enough from you for today, doctor.” (No-one’s perfect)
“It sounds to me like an ordinary case of fucker’s back.” (Context obscure but authentic and too good to leave out)
“To benefit from a group you need at least two years of treatment – I mean training.”