Doctors are men who prescribe medicines of which they know little, to cure diseases of which they know less, in human beings of whom they know nothing

Voltaire (1694 – 1778)

Medical Doctor, for long, has always been seen as a noble and exceptional profession. They have always had a special place in society; even earning respect and admiration, often even akin to demigod. In their hands, the power to heal is entrusted.

The life and death of patients is literally conditioned by a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment. In the mounting desperation for quick recovery, they often swallow whatever the doctor prescribes or tell them to do, sometimes without even bothering to inquire back or seek a second opinion.

Without undermining their professionalism, doctors are, after all, ordinary human beings bound by inherent limitations and imperfections, capable of being life saver but capable also of being life taker.

The role doctors play in a country’s development is undoubtedly of paramount importance. The image of doctors conveys metaphorically something of holy men or guardian angels. They are to be duly respected and trusted.

Their recommendation and prescription is to be taken as mantra that will save our life. While this is mostly true in many cases, it is also misleading notion to cast doctors in this apotheosis image.

There have been quite a number of conflicts between doctors and their patients in recent years – from allegations of malpractice and breach of Hippocratic Oath and Professional Code of Ethics.

“Why then, do we have faith in the doctor’s prescription?”

By Hermanto Lim – Campus Asia