A 64-Year-Old Man Comes to the Office for Follow-Up After

A 64-year-old man comes to the office for follow-up after a myocardial infarction 6 months ago.  The patient's condition has slowly improved, although his clinical course was complicated by a pulmonary embolus and urinary tract infection.  During the appointment, the patient gives the physician homemade cookies and a thank-you card containing 4 tickets to a professional basketball game.  He says, "I would like to thank you for everything that you've done.  Please accept these tickets and enjoy the game."  He tells the physician not to worry about the expense, saying, "I get season tickets every year but haven't felt well enough to make it to the games.  You have been such a wonderful doctor, and I wanted to give you something to express my gratitude."  Which of the following statements is the most appropriate?

A) "Thank you, but I cannot accept any of these gifts from you; it's enough for me to see that you've been sticking with the treatment plan and getting better."
B) "Thank you for the card and cookies; unfortunately, the tickets are so valuable that my acceptance of them as your physician could affect our relationship."
C) "Thank you for the kind gesture, but I cannot accept any of these gifts; please know that it would be unethical for me to do so."
D) "Thank you for these gifts, but I can accept them only if you understand that this will not change our relationship or the care that I provide you."
E) "Thank you very much for the cookies and tickets; I will share these with my staff because they are part of your treatment team as well."

Correct Answer:

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