The Doctor is a 1991 drama film directed by Randa Haines and starring William Hurt as Jack McKee, a talented and ambitious doctor who is at the height of his professional career when he is diagnosed with cancer. As he goes through a difficult and painful treatment regimen, Jack begins to see the medical profession in a new light.
The film follows Jack's journey as he grapples with his diagnosis and the impact it has on his life and relationships. He is forced to confront his own mortality, and his perspective on medicine and patient care begins to change as he experiences the system from the other side.
Through his interactions with other patients, including an elderly woman named June (played by Elizabeth Perkins), and his own experiences as a patient, Jack comes to realise that the emotional and psychological aspects of care are just as important as the medical ones. He begins to understand the importance of truly listening to his patients, empathising with their struggles, and treating them with compassion and respect.
The Doctor is a powerful film that explores the complexities and challenges of the medical profession with honesty and sensitivity. It is a poignant reminder of the human side of healthcare, and a testament to the courage and resilience of patients and doctors alike.