I argue that a doctor who convinces a patient to comply with treatment indirectly, by building a relationship with the patient, offers a more humane and compassionate way to help the patient than directly present yourself as an authoritative figure to convince the patient to comply. Another distinction I make when interpreting the doctor-patient relationship as a friendship rather than a strictly authority figure is that in an ideal friendship there is an active role in which both parties listen to the other's concerns. A doctor who listens to his patient is more likely to pick up on small but important points to help treat the patient than a more authoritative doctor (who wants to do most of the work).