Le Gran Thomas treating a patient on the new Brigde of Paris. Portrait painted in the 18th Century

All the world is a stage and we are all actors in life's drama upon it. Some are endowed with a better sense of showmanship than others. Le Gran profited well by combining this gift of showmanship with his professional skill.

Showmanship, public relations, or chairside manner, whatever you wish to call it, is always a great asset to the Doctor and in turn provides more confidence to the patient. Showmanship must be combined with professional skill, however, or it is of no value and becomes misleading behavior which when discovered can destroy the showman's professional reputation.