This humor can actually be quite beneficial to the doctor-patient relationship. It is important for patients to be able to communicate with their physicians. Humor often provides an excellent means to facilitate this communication. I've also found that many patients will bring up problems that they might not otherwise mention through the use of humor. Humor allows us to discuss topics that might otherwise be difficult or painful to talk about.
Many people suffer losses as they get older.
While one might not always expect to use humor in discussing grief and losses, when appropriate, humor can help in dealing with these difficult emotions. It also helps when you know that your physician cares enough to share some laughter with you. Too many physicians separate themselves from their patients emotionally. This tends to restrict the ability of the physician to communicate effectively with their patient. The next time that you see your physician, bring a short joke with you.