I am the physician quoted by Instapundit. Thank you for quoting me here.
I am incensed by today’s events in Madison. I’ve been a physician not quite 30 years. It was drummed into me in my training, and at every moment since, that my integrity and honesty matter. It matters to my patients, to my colleagues, to the community at large, and — both first and as a consequence — to me. Without these no patient and no doctor will trust me.
As doctors we sign all kinds of notes and documents. Scripts. Orders. Documentation letters. And yes, excuses from work and school. Who in the world is going to trust these doctors in the future? They’ve just shown us that they’ll sign phony excuse notes for their political fellow-travelers.
The doctors on the street in Madison are selling their white coats, and for what — politics? For a public employee union? Is that all their integrity is worth? What else will they do?
I hope their colleagues in Wisconsin will react to this. I hope a white coat still means something.
The thoughts expressed above brought to mind the scene in "The Incredibles", where Frozone is looking for his supersuit so he can participate in the defense of the greater good of society. I have a sense that these doctors felt as if their white coats would protect them as well. I am beginning to have my doubts.
These colleagues are part of a noble profession that is much bigger than they are individually or collectively. Forgetting what it actually means to be a doctor they have participated in a nearsighted plot to provide "social justice" to political allies. In so doing they have contributed in soiling, just a bit, the white coats of every physician. They used some of the most sacred aspects of the profession, the patient/physician interaction, and reduced it to a sidewalk afterthought.
While it is true that in the big scheme of things filling sick notes is nothing for a doctor. In fact, it is one of the more mundane aspects of the profession. It's not like they were writing prescriptions of oxycontin to everyone with a stubbed toe, but even with the sick note there is an expectation that is carried with it. One that, as a rule, won't be challenged by a school superintendent, as being less than what it appears to be. In truth, it is professionalism and the integrity and honesty that comes with it that is being sacrificed. I don't appreciate and ask other doctors to speak out.
Now for some updates.
The Happy Hospitalist knows what I am talking about! Who is the Instapundit?
Other Doctors are beginning to take notice. Check out Notes from Dr. RW. Healthcare BS has thoughts and We Stand Firm, a Pajamas Media contributor speaks to the breaches of professional ethics, and is not nearly as boring as it sounds!
The Wisconsin State Journal has an update from the University of Wisconsin, via Gateway Pundit.
Dr. Tim Bartholow, a senior vice president of the medical society, said the doctors may have meant well but could end up harming physicians’ reputation.
“I’m sure they were acting out of conscience,” he said. “But our actions as professionals have got to earn the public trust.”
“If the person is currently ill, you need a physical examination and history,” Derse said. “If someone is ill enough not to go to work, to have them standing outside in the cold in front of you is kind of an oxymoron.”
UW Health said its investigation “will identify which UW Health physicians were involved and whether their behavior constituted violations of medical ethics or University of Wisconsin and UW Health policies and work rules.”
Bartholow said the underlying events at the Capitol underscore why doctors must be concerned today about their public image. State and federal budget pressures are forcing tough decisions about health care expenses, and many are looking to doctors for input, he said.
“We need that public trust,” he said.
Right Klik and Left Coast Rebel have found the always elusive PGY 1. By my count, that makes 7 providers identified. Let me know if you have more...
Nearly finally, while I expect more from RS McCain at least Theo Spark is here to fill in with "The Pathologies of the Progressive Left".
Finally, big thanks to the folks at Richocet, for the links here and here.
Please bookmark!
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