goodandevil

The Evil | The Accountability of Doctors

Anyone who’s ever played the computer game The Oregon Trail knows two things. One, it’s hilarious to write in silly names and have self-referential fun when the updates come rolling around (”No one has cholera,” “Helen Keller broke a wagon wheel.” etc.) Two, the role of the doctor is respected because, like all good kids, we naively trusted them to honor the truth in what they as a profession advertise.

Now, I’m not about to bash doctors. Doctors have helped to keep me alive and I’ve never met a single one with ill intentions. I can even get past the money they make (but not healthcare costs in general) because they have to pay out the wazoo for legal protection (Can I get a discount if I sign a waiver that says I won’t sue? Problem solved. Then the people creating the problem can be the only ones paying for it. Sounds like a consumption tax but that’s another issue entirely.)

No, my biggest issue surpasses vanity and ego and that’ simply apathy. You got into medicine or a reason, and only one thing could make you survive the work and time put into that kind of education besides money. The ability for science to help people interests you. Or at least it’s supposed to.

I know tons of patients walk in thinking they know everything, and acting like hypochondriacs, giving you a hard time. Every job has sucky parts though. Endure past that, filter out the obvious noise and garbage, and listen. Solve the mystery. Care. Treat. Otherwise what are you good for.

Here’s another thought. Don’t prescribe unless you’re sure. We can’t all be masters of diagnosis. It’s one think when a joint doctor notices a limp. I’ve had doctors tell me what bugs were in my lugs after listening to clear breathing. Is it the case that I usually only deal with specific bugs, and that only a few things can reduce my weight so quickly? Sure.

I won’t even say there should be a “I have the money, let’s do the test” policy because that subsidizes the power of diagnosis and gives it to the patient, who is not trained and is seeking a physician’s help for that very reason.

I will say, though, prove something concretely to me. Give me evidence. Share the clues you used to make a determination. Most people would rather have the identity of a particular problem than the benefit of a mystery solution.

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