Preachers and politicians lose a lot of respect and power when we hear the gossip about their personal lives. We see scandals and judge them as unfitting leaders because, hey, if they can't take care of their families, how can we expect them to take care of us?
I think physicians should be held to a similar standard, assessed by the health of their social circles. I personally would harshly judge a cardiologist if he allowed his brother to live with high blood pressure. A pulmonologist should ensure that his children's asthma is treated. And so on, and so forth.
The easiest place to start for us aspiring physicians? Our parents. They are a template for over 60% of the patients that we are expected to see when we graduate.
...oh....and also because we love them!
By your theory, do you mean a good plastic surgeon should be pretty too? (or an orthodontist should have a great smile?)
ReplyDeleteI think your dentist should floss.
ReplyDelete"I personally would harshly judge a cardiologist if he allowed his brother to live with high blood pressure."
ReplyDeleteI have to disagree with you here. What is the cardiologist "allowing"? Perhaps the brother won't listen to good advice. The free will of another to conduct their life as they see fit is paramount and trumps any right you have to enforce their wellness.
It'll be a challenge for all us future docs to learn to accept that lesson. :)