On the remarkable persistence of asymmetry in doctor/patient interaction: A critical review

► The medical profession has long been criticised for exerting professional dominance over patients. ► A variety of reforms have attempted to address this, notably the emphasis on patient-centred medicine. ► Analysis of empirical studies of consultations shows continued asymmetry. ► We argue that this is because this asymmetry has roots that are inaccessible to talk reform. ► We advocate for a different reform project.