In IJHC Volume I, No. 1, Patients experiences, Ronald Banner explored the process (stages) of becoming a patient, how suffering is much more than pain, and the subjectivity of decision making by patients. All these point up the need for inputs from patients. In this discussion, I explore the development of a working partnership between doctor and patient. These should be our advisors/counselors/teachers these people who have experienced illness and who understand their experiences. These advisors are essential in understanding and improving patient care, as well as in medical education, policy development and research (Reiser 1993). I illustrate the notions presented in this article with the experiences I shared with a patient named Stanley, who had severe and complex illnesses.