“One study, from 2010, found that physicians use metaphors in almost two-thirds of their conversations with patients who have serious illnesses. Physicians who used more metaphors were seen as better communicators. Patients reported less trouble understanding them, and felt as though their doctor made sure they understood their conditions”(Khullar 2).
I support this quote because what Khullar is saying is very true. It’s important to understand a person’s condition and what they’re going through. A metaphor can smily help someone see the other side of things, even if it’s only a little bit. The metaphors doctors use are necessary and helpful. Dealing with patients that has serious illnesses isn’t easy, so helping them cope with these kind of conditions with metaphorical phrases can make a difference.
“The words we choose to describe illness are powerful. They carry weight and valence, creating the milieu in which goals of care are discussed and treatment plans designed. In medicine, the use of metaphor is pervasive”(Khullar 2).
I also support this quote because doctors, like Khullar, uses metaphors associated with illness, such as phrases like “battle” , “fight” , “war”, etc. Depending who the person is, they can percieve medical metaphors in a different way than others. It’s a serious matter because whatever disease or illness it is, it really impacts someone’s life and changes it. A patient will remember what comes out of a doctor’s mouth, so they need to be able to understand what the person is going through. Medical metaphors have the power to change someone’s view on something and differentiate their mindset.
“Ultimately, any metaphor—military or otherwise—is not inherently good or bad. Rather, the utility of each depends on a patient’s culture, values, experiences, and preferences. Metaphors allow doctors to develop a common language with patients, and offer patients an avenue to express their emotions and exert agency over their conditions”(Khullar 4).
While this is true, metaphors that has to do with military terms can scare patients or challenge them more because they use words such as fight, battle, war, etc. This may be because these terms can be viewed as “bad.” Patients coming to the realization that they have a serious illness isn’t easy, so more calming metaphors could help someone cope with the condition better.
“So, how much power does a metaphor designer have? That’s a question I’m not sure I can answer.”(Erard 8)
This quote supports Khullar’s logic because he also stated how words we choose to describe illnesses are powerful, which are metaphors. Even though Khullar isn’t a metaphor designer like Erard, he still uses metaphors to help people get through whatever condition they have.
“And metaphor keeps the mind shaking, rattling and rolling, long after Elvis has left the building”(Geary 5).
Geary states how metaphors still have a big impact on people’s mind and how you can see the other side of things. It gases up thoughts, new ideas, and new perspectives. Just like how seeing cancer as a “fight” or “battle” , these types of metaphors affects someone’s mind deeply because medical conditions are serious.
