When receiving his diploma, one new M.D. said, "We were told we could only provide a 30 word thank you. Therefore, everything the other guys said, ditto for me. I'll see you all later. To be continued..."
Another student said, "I want to thank my parents for all their support. The M. stands for Mom and the D. is for Dad."
The Keynote address given by Dr. Darrell Kirch really struck a chord with me.He was told to give a charge to the new doctors for the course of their medical career. He said he didn't have a charge, but a request. He told the new doctors that his baby boomer colleagues were not able to revolutionize or correct the medical system. Too many people in America are not able to afford good medical care or any medical care at all.
Right away I remembered how excruciatingly difficult it was for Art to find a G.P. who would take a new Medicare patient. Then the G.P. he did find said, "Good luck trying to find a doctor who will do a colonoscopy for a Medicare patient in Hawaii."
Dr. Kirch mentioned how the Democrats, Republicans and Tea Partiers were arguing about the new Health Care law. There's a step made now to try to make things better, but it still isn't perfect. There are still nearly 50 million Americans who are uninsured.
I don't remember his exact words, but what I thought he asked of this new group of doctors was for them to do the right, fair thing. He asked them to work actively to make things better for all people of every income bracket, including those who cannot afford it.
Then they read the Restatement of the Oath of Hippocrates. Part of it said, "I will treat without exception all who seek my ministrations and discriminate against no one, so long as the treatment of others is not compromised thereby, and I will seek the counsel of particularly skilled physicians where indicated for the benefit of my patient."
Seems to me that part about "discriminating against no one" should include Medicare patients.
Our health care system in the U.S. badly needs to be fixed! I'm just hoping the next generation will do a far better job than the present one.
What a great post Kay. I keep remembering an article I read about a lady going totally bankrupt because of her medical bills. Just not right.
ReplyDeleteI know that there is plenty that can be improved about our National Health Service, but there's so much that's right about it. Everyone receives the same standard of care no matter what their financial circumstances, and that care is good not second rate. If you need a colonoscopy you get one; if you need an emergency operation you get it with no bills to worry about afterwards. Yes, you may have to wait up to ten or twelve weeks for a routine procedure, but that's much better now than it used to be. I know of so many people who have retired abroad and then returned to the UK so that they can benefit from the NHS as they get older.
ReplyDeleteHere we have govt. hospitals treating the patients/performing surgeries free of cost but the waiting lists are too long.
ReplyDeleteIt is a sad situation for sure...
ReplyDeleteRight across the US/Canada border, people are treated fairly. I just don't understand why we can't have single payer insurance here in the US! Good post, Kay. I especially like the M. and D. quote.
ReplyDeleteWell put, Kay. It is a matter of fairness. I griped about having to go on the Kaiser plan, but now I'm so glad to have it.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the vast majority of doctors are the problem with our health care system, although I've personally been treated by a few quacks. During the 8 years to get a doctorate, nurses are making more than a doctor. It takes a huge amount of dedication. Plus, being aware that you'll never have a normal life. It's sad that Congress refuses to address the issue of frivolous malpractice suits, but then again, most legislatures are lawyers, and the fellowship have their own oath. It sad that Obama's grand plan for health care was sabotaged and all we have is a watered down version of what coulda been. The lobby for the health care industry coerced Obama into agreeing that every single citizen be required to subscribe to health care insurance, while preventing the public option from being part of same legislation. Without a public option, the health care industry has a monopoly and will take us to the cleaners. What a country. Weep.
ReplyDeleteFIFTY million Americans without health insurance? That's more than the entire population of Canada, far more!
ReplyDeleteA sad situation for President Obama, who had such high hopes.
However, I love the M and D story. Perfect!
— K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
So far, I have had to pay just $75 for my emergency room care. Am now waiting to see the bill for my 3 night hospital stay.
ReplyDeleteRon: It wasn't Obama's fault. He TRIED! If he didn't compromise, he would have gotten nothing. The Republicans, the Health Care Insurance lobby, even some of his own party were against him. At least this is a start!
ReplyDeleteGigi: That's my point. You didn't have to pay much, but what if David didn't have his job? What would that have done to your financial situation with a 3 night stay in the hospital in this country? Too many people are NOT covered by a good health insurance.
We've done pretty well with TriCare and Medicare. Perhaps it's different where you are.
ReplyDeleteI strongly support President Obama's efforts to reform America's health care system. It sadly needs reforming.
I remember hearing that some doctors here don't like to take seniors as patients because they take up too much time, etc. I guess it's easier to look after young, healthy people, better turnaround.
ReplyDeleteAfter having access to the best medical care possible, it is unbelievable that senior don't have those options with Medicare in some part of the country. We are fortunate to have a good supplemental through our state pension to go with our Medicare.
ReplyDeleteSomething must be done about our health care system. I am tired of those who are making a political statement out of an issue that results in poor care for so many of our citizens. Stop the petty politics and fix the system. I agree with you Kay.
Well said Kay. Surely we can do better. Lets annoy our congressmen and woment till they do.
ReplyDeleteI love what that kid said about MD. You know his parents loved that.
I just hope they kept that part of the ancient doctors' oath that says "Do no harm."
ReplyDeleteNicely stated, Kay!
ReplyDeleteYes, my most beloved doctor won't take medicare either. Now I pay extra for a Medicare Advantage Plan and she will take that.
ReplyDeleteHugs....