Money versus ethics
I always thought of the medical and related proffessions as noble ones. We took an oath upon graduation, to first and foremost, do no harm. And we are here to help, this means to give service to people in need of our help, most often, people in pain. However, of late, my view on my profession has changed somewhat.It seems that the majority of people's perceptions about us is that its all about the money. Unfortunately, to a certain extent, this proves true.
I am deeply saddened at the state of affairs that I encounter daily. My ethical judgement prevents me from doing things out of greed. I don't see my patients as dollar signs..hence I don't rake in the most income. But how can I force myself to blatantly charge? How can I force myself to drill where there is no hole? How can I force myself to suggest expensive procedures that the patient may not need? All to justify a higher income. Someone said this, in verbatim "Dentistry is all about the gross". By gross, he means the income.
The opportunity is there...the patients I realise, trust too quickly. A low toned voice, a deep explanation, and you are sold. A stain becomes a filling which later becomes a root canal and then a crown. It's so easy..people just don't know and don't even bother to know what's in their mouths.
Perhaps I have been too naive...to think that there is something called ethics that we have to adhere to, for believing that what I do is noble. Perhaps it is all about the money. But I still can't sell my soul.
.jpg)
10 comments:
How much to do teeth whitening?
Anon: Depends on system, and there are many out there. Home kits cost about 700, in office would be about double that. Consultation required. Go to www.britesmile.com for more info on this system
Hey, I am back! Did you unsubscribe or something?
Anyway, referring to your previous post, yeah, i was a fan of yr muscular back. Now it is all covered up.
yeah... there should b more drs like u out there.
drs in private practice often points patients to the most expensive option. in govt pun tak bagus sangat...u wouldn't believe what those in high places can ask for from us pharma companies man!! i'm so disgusted.
but not all drs r like dat la. there r still many who looks out for their patients' interest. mostly in govt practice. thank God for those...
kt
Yes sunshine, I got rid of PPP. Err..covered meaning with my top or with fat? Wah! Sob sob.
Kt - I have heard of surgeons in private, asking for a cut from knee implants. They charge more, get more commission. it's getting very unscrupulous these days and I am rightly disgusted. Sigh.
Luckilly for me, i never held any high regards for people in the Medical profession. You know why ?
Because if I have no money to pay, I will be left to die... so what oath was that, that most of the medical flers took when they got into the workforce again ?
These days its the oath to make myself rich. But there are a few gems lar..like Ruey Terng..
eh, bernsy... no la. if u go to an MOH hospital u won't b left 2 die la... there r big-hearted drs there. actually if u compare wt alot of other countries, our MOH is very generous 2 d patients here. if only some patients know how to appreciate what they have...
kt
I have a classmate who is currently a gastro intestinal pecialist in the UK, I was chatting about the same topic while he was back in penang visiting and he shared with me the 2 types of patients of his:
The first type are the genuine people who have the problem, the other type are the worried healthy ones.
The former are the ones who genuinely in need of treatment, normally comes too late (from the queuing to see the specialist) and by the time they get treatment they would be normally in advanced stages of the diseased.
The latter are the ones who are healthy but constantly badger the specialist even on the slightest tingle on the crotch or the twitch of the eyebrow.
These are done in full diligence (tests and scans done over and over again, referral in the name of insurance coverage to convince them they are fine). Insurance pays they dont care but just needs reassured they are fine.
The former he provides medical via UK's NHS, the latter is via his private practice. He told me he earns in half a day his salary what his hospital pays him in a month. Hence the disparity.
But if a poor person cannot afford a treatment, give it at a better price, when the rich comes a knocking, "gasak them lar". Call it modern day robin hooding rob from the rich, give to the poor.
p/s I have been to Holland and visited kekuenhof in summer during full bloom. It is awesome!!!!
I know...I was in Keukonhoff a few years back. Unfortunately it was a cold spring, most of the tulips did not open. The park was at 30% of normal bloom, but it was beautiful already...I want to go back, in full bloom...must be unbelievable
Post a Comment