Compassion? Nah...just lower your expectations

To all of my loyal readers (I think were up to nearly half dozen by now!), it is now surprise that I can be a bit critical of health care...and I am using "care" in the loosest sense of the word. Why?

Well, for starters, as a pharmacist that seems a bit like biting the hand that feeds me. Furthermore, some of my closest friends are physicians, and very good ones at that! I like them and I think they like me, even though eventually, will pull the "doctor card!" Could it be a subtle hint of their constant belief of an inherent superior position?

So today, as you would guess, I am feeling a little cynical. It is my opinion that most doctors don't care much anymore!! Our "tank" of medical compassion is almost empty. And to add insult to injury, my own family members have included me with the ranks of these healers. They have even branded their father and husband as compassionless. I represent what they hate about medicine. Ouch!


Now, before you cry 'What a cynic!" let me explain. Although cynics create little and answer less , I have a simple if not twisted solution: If you feel like you got slighted last visit by your doctor, next time just your lower your expectations. Simple! Although that sounds harsh, it is relatively easy. You expect too much from Dr. Marcus Welby and Dr. Welby can't fix everything that's ailin' ya. He or she might not even have the interpesonal or business skills to communicate that. I have watched my youngest daughter suffer for years. I have seen the disappointment in her eyes so many times when she needed an answer or some compassion and was dismissed in the name of efficiency. It has been painful to watch.

We must understand the limitations of medicine, both on a science and human level. The same obnoxious guy that messed up the curve in your high school chemistry class is now that frazzled doctor that really deserves a knuckle sandwich, stat! I once yanked a friend' s chain about the "jerk" factor. I wanted to know if that attitude was taught in medical school. His answer was ,"Nah...not taught...just reinforced!"

Please...take as directed,
Blake