=The Nurse in Relation to the Physician.= In the foregoing chapter, we have seen that the task of preserving and improving the public health is one which rests, theoretically, on the medical profession as a whole. As a matter of fact, however, this task is assumed only by certain members of the profession. We have pointed out the reasons for this—that physicians vary greatly as to personal character, ability, and ideals. In the field of public health, the nurse finds herself in contact with physicians of all classes. Some are able, high-minded, and skilful, and whether working as public officials or private practitioners, have nevertheless the same end; improvement of the public health. Others have standards quite the reverse. This brings us to the question: When the nurse’s duties bring her in contact with men of the latter class, how is she to meet the situation? In what relation does she stand to these men? What shall be her attitude to them, as regards her work? They are not numerous fortunately, but there are enough to constitute a serious problem, and one which sooner or later the nurse must face. This question will also have to be faced by those who are responsible for the nurse, and for her work. In our opinion, the answer is simple enough—or, rather it will be, twenty years hence. For at present, public opinion is in a transition state and needs moulding. The nurse should work under the direction of, and in co-operation with, all those physicians who, whether as public officials or private practitioners, are working for a higher standard of public welfare. To all such, without discrimination, the public health nurse is the faithful, efficient, and tireless ally. But to all those other physicians who have no such aims or desires, the nurse stands in but remote and casual relation. The old teaching that she is the handmaiden of the doctor is gone. Both are now co-workers in the field of public health. The nurse still carries out the doctor’s orders, but there is this difference—she discriminates as to doctors. As a public servant, she obeys the orders of the municipal authorities, or of the private practitioner when the object of both is the same, that is, the welfare of the community. But she is not responsible to those physicians who try to defeat this object. For this reason, the nurse can do more effective work if she is connected with the Health Department, since it is the Health Department of a city which must formulate standards of efficiency, and clothe its employees with authority to carry them out. The authority of the Health Department physicians should be superior to that of any private physician, should there be any conflict of opinion between them.