Posted by Gary on October 28, 1998 at 19:25:39:
In Reply to: Re: OH MY GOD!!!!! posted by harley on October 28, 1998 at 18:23:01:
Obviously the doc in the article doesn't know what he's talking about. OK - we're all human - granted. BUT - the AMA has managed to install MDs with superhuman status in the USA, whether they are qualified or not. We're not talking about an unpaid volunteer, a layman doing his best, or a general good samaritan.
In our health care, legal, and economic systems, DRs have tremendous power over our lives and no small amount of authority legally. Many of us clusterheads have SERIOUSLY suffered, many times, because of the arrogance and egomania of medicos who are not qualified to deal with CH, but refuse to admit it. Because of their unchallenged authority, we continue to suffer more than necessary, lose jobs, get denied insurance benefits....the list goes on and on. If you haven't experienced this, terrific ! Keep your fingers crossed.
It's like the police - we arm them, and send them out with authority to control our activities in a way our fellow citizens cannot. Because of that special power, we DO hold them to a higher standard.
When an individual is granted authority over his fellows (as are doctors) then it must follow that that individual's qualifications are equally elevated. If and when they're not, then that individual is committing a serious fraud on society in general and his patients in particular.
There ARE absolutely wonderful, dedicated MDs out there as well, and I think you'll find we go out of our way to give them the credit and gratitude they deserve.
Perhaps most of all I credit the MDs who have told me: "I just don't what to do about your headaches, but there is a Dr in ....... that handles many such cases, I'll call him about your case." THAT is responsible.
The health care system in this country is an absolute disgrace, given our collective wealth and scientific resources. Tolerating this kind of incompetance is only contributing to & encouraging the pay-more-get-less situation.