Still, trying to get rid of these “ Seven sins in medicine ” !

Dr.Richard Asher,  a British physician from Sussex addressed a group of young passing out medical students way back in 1948 in London. The lecture was titled seven sins of medicine! We should thank the Lancet for having published this brief speech the subsequent year in its journal making it immortal medical teaching! Though he was listing these sins among medical students, it is very relevant to every health professional. 1. Obscurity Asher endorses the use of clear communication and plain language whether writing or speaking. Obscurity may be used to cloak one’s own ignorance, or due to an inability to communicate with those outside of the medical profession. “If you don’t know, don’t admit it. Instead, try to confuse your listeners.” is not uncommon. Regardless of the intention, whether to misdirect from incompetence or to foster a feeling of superiority, the patient and those surrounding them are often left confused and uncertainiy. 2. Cruelty  This sin is perhaps one of the most commonly committed by doctors and medical students. Whether it be the physical thoughtlessness of a half-dozen students palpating a painful tumor mass, or loudly taking (or presenting) a patient’s history in a crowded room, one of the first things that is unlearnt by a medical professional is to treat the patient as they themselves would like to be treated. 3. Bad Manners  Often overlooked, rudeness or poor taste in humour is condoned within the ho...
Source: Dr.S.Venkatesan MD - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: bio ethics Cardiology-Land mark studies Great men in Medicine Hippocratic oath medical quotes Two line sermons in cardiology Wintage cardiology Source Type: blogs