How the leaders of the medical profession have let both doctors and patients down.

One would expect that the leaders of the Indian medical associations and the medical councils would serve as wise elders. They would stand up for doctors, and represent the public face of doctors to society. They would be the voice of the medical profession, so that they could ensure that the doctor-patient relationship was based on mutual respect and trust.When society offers doctors the privilege of being professionals, they also give them the duty and obligation of self-regulation.  Doctors are meant to control and regulate each other, because they have access to specialized  medical knowledge which lay-people don't. Sadly, the medical associations and council have failed miserably at this task, and this is one of the reasons why patients don't trust doctors anymore.Any time there is a case when the medical outcome is poor, the press is happy to bandy terms like alleged medical negligence or incompetence. These reports get blown out of proportion, and the media has a field day indulging in doctor bashing. These associations which should provide the doctor's balanced perspective, based on scientific best practices and evidence, unfortunately choose to keep quiet.Ideally, they should have a Media Liaison , which offer s a 24/7 service, and connects journalists to experienced independent medical experts, who can provide a thoughtful unemotional viewpoint, based on medical facts. However, they maintain a studied silence, and let the doctor who is being accused of bei...
Source: Dr.Malpani's Blog - Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: blogs