Medical Malpractice The doctor-patient relationship has been defined differently through the years. In the beginning it developed into a "common calling" which meant doctors practiced medicine as a duty to their patients. Laws were developed to protect patients, therefore doctors used proper care and expert skill. In the past six centuries, medical malpractice has increased, which lead to revision and addition to the law. Liability was introduced along with the "GIANT of all torts", negligence. Now in today's society, a doctor's duty is to use reasonable care, skill and judgment in the practice of his/her profession and when negligent,