What IS the role of the doctor?

[copperfrog09]

What are the roles and responsibiities of the doctor in society today? I was asked this question in the interview, and thought it was an interesting one. I've got a couple thoughts, but I'd like to hear your thoughts. Obviously the doctor is responsible for providing health care services, but does the physician also have a responsibility to engaging in politics to help change the health care system, or is this solely the responsibility of those involved in health policy? Or is it also the physician's responsibility to hear and be aware of needs of patients other than simply medical ones? If a patient cannot pay, is the physician responsible to help them obtain access to health care, or provide it if he is capable? Or is the physician's role simply limited to providing health care solutions to those who come to his office able to pay, and send them on their way, and then return home and relax?

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[Katatonic]

My Real Answer: The role of the physician is purely to provide healthcare for people able to pay for their services; they are not a moral slave-force. They are not responsible for politics but can get involved if they so choose.

My answer during the interview might be slightly different to not come across as saying physicians don't have to treat people who can't pay.

 

[LossForWords]

I don't think doctors have any more societal obligations than other intelligent, hard working, responsible members of society. Doctors have jobs that are vital to society and have a huge human impact, but I don't think that means they should take on any more obligations outside of work than other capable citizens.

 

[DrYoda]

1. Do their job.
2. Pay their taxes.

 

[Bcblazer]

It is definitely not the responsibility of physicians to provide care to those who cannot pay, but it is definitely a great thing to do.

As far as getting involved with healthcare policy, that is up to physicians as individuals. The state of the healthcare system will affect us all (both in school and in practice), and if you feel strongly that something is not right, don't just complain. Get involved.

 

[Maxwell Edison]

By the time you've finished residency, you will have completed an MD program, some undergraduate degree (with some relatively high level of success), a high school degree, and a kindergarten certificate. All of these things together will put you well within the top 1% of people in terms of education and knowledge throughout all of human history.

Seems like a bit of a waste to use such a uniquely sharp mind to solely treat patients, but it's a matter of opinion.

 

[DownWithDisease]

"For any understanding of the relationship between culture and science, the problem of causation is critically important because it reflects directly on the fundamental moral issue of responsibility for disease"

-Allan Brandt, 1997