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On the other side of the critical spectrum, reviewer Greg Dean Schmitz, holds a more positive view of the film. He loves it to no end and believes it should have been on the best of 1999 list. "Patch Adams is a crowd pleaser," he writes, "that belongs on any "Best of 1998" list" (3) Schmitz likes the way that Robin Williams "drives" the film and "his (Robin Williams) routines are at the top of his game and he never stops entertaining us, but also convincing us that he's really this man, Patch Adams". (3).
Many patients dread going to the doctors" office. They would much rather have their arm fall off and rot away than they go to a doctors and have it looked at. To be fair, however, terminal illness may be equally difficult on the doctor other caregiver. In the movie, Patch Adams, doctors are told to practice at an arms length distance from their patients and to not get attached. The more you attach yourself to something the harder it is to get over it after it has gone away. The film demonstrates, however, that perhaps doctors should find some middle ground. Doctors can treat patients more humanely, and maintain a professional distance. .
What is wrong with asking a patient how their day is going or what has been going on in their lives as opposed to asking the patient the normal questions such as: How long has this problem been affecting you or when did you start to feel this pain? This is likely to put patients more at ease, and perhaps more likely to consult with a doctor about a something that has been bothering them before it is too late. Patients are sometimes very depressed people. Not always will a patient want to be conversed with, poked or prodded. This is still no excuse for doctors not to be dismissive of patients. Sometimes it is just the brief hello or the casual question that can change the world and outlook for a patient at that time. .
Patch Adams shows the stark reality of how many doctors treat their patients poorly when they are in a hospital environment.