I am a philologist, historian of ideas and philosopher working on early medieval arguments for human dignity and their influence on the history of western medicine. I am also very interested in modern medical ethics and especially in values such as patient autonomy and choice. I believe guaranteeing such values depends on the qualityof doctor patient communication and that this, in turn, is influenced by health practitioners’ views regarding the dignity of the person. Although I am amedievalist by profession, I am therefore looking for ways in which my work may strengthen modern medical ethos and communication practice.