We applaud Dr Partridge's recent thought provoking editorial1 which is timely with recent articles focusing on medicine, poverty, and marginalised groups.2 We wish to add that the issues raised by Partridge are also highly relevant in Australia with respect to indigenous Australians who have unacceptably high levels of morbidity and mortality compared with non-indigenous Australians.3 Also, in addition to the influence of the doctor/patient relationship on health care, …