Patient's Code Of Medical Ethics
DO NOT EXPECT YOUR DOCTOR TO SHARE YOUR DISCOMFORT: BE CHEERFUL AT ALL TIMES: TRY TO SUFFER FROM THE DISEASE FOR WHICH YOU ARE BEING TREATED: DO NOT COMPLAIN IF THE TREATMENT FAILS TO BRING RELIEF: NEVER ASK YOUR DOCTOR TO EXPLAIN WHAT HE IS DOING OR WHY HE IS DOING IT: SUBMIT TO NOVEL EXPERIMENTAL TREATMENT READILY: PAY YOUR MEDICAL BILLS PROMPTLY AND WILLINGLY: DO NOT SUFFER FROM AILMENTS THAT YOU CANNOT AFFORD: NEVER REVEAL ANY OF THE SHORTCOMINGS THAT HAVE COME TO LIGHT IN THE COURSE OF TREATMENT BY YOUR DOCTOR: NEVER DIE WHILE IN YOUR DOCTOR'S PRESENCE OR UNDER HIS DIRECT CARE: NEVER COMPLAIN ABOUT SITTING FOR HOURS IN THE DOCTOR’S WAITING ROOM: Submitted by: Danny Walker
Involvement with the patient's suffering might cause him to lose valuable scientific objectivity.
Your doctor leads a busy and trying life and requires all the gentleness and reassurance he can get.
Try to remember that your doctor has a professional reputation to uphold.
You must believe that your doctor has achieved a deep insight into the true nature of your illness, which transcends any mere permanent disability or suffering you may have experienced.
It is presumptuous to assume that such profound matters could be explained in terms that you would understand.
Though the surgery may not benefit you directly, the resulting research paper will surely be of widespread interest.
You should consider it a privilege to contribute, however modestly, to the well-being of physicians and other humanitarians.
It is sheer arrogance to contract illnesses that are beyond your means.
The patient-doctor relationship is a privileged one, and you have a sacred duty to protect him from exposure.
This will only cause him needless inconvenience and embarrassment.
Remember, his time is valuable and yours is not. His receptionist has to keep at least 12 sickly people lined up ahead of you waiting for him to see regardless of your scheduled appointment time. Besides, you might catch something contagious from one of these patients and have to return for additional treatments and tests, which helps him generate more income.
Thanks Danny!
Originally published November 14, 2002.
