x The importance of the empathic clinician in helping patients and their families bear the burden of serious illness and death cannot be overemphasized x To cure sometimes to relieve often and to comfort al ways x The secret of the care of the patient is in caring for the patientThe importance of the empathic clinician in helping patients and their families bear the burden of serious illness and death cannot be overemphasized. "To cure sometimes, to relieve often, and to comfort always" "The secret of the care of the patient is in caring for the patient