The general perception of giving is that, by doing so, you actually lose something, with the exception of unsolicited advice, which people often give freely & generously. :) And conversely, that by receiving, you have gained something.
Giving is integral in the fabric of the Hippocratic oath. What the unwritten understanding is that when a fellow physician seeks your professional service, you are duty-bound not to charge professional fees. Giving, remember?
Yesterday, I spent 6 hours in OT with a patient who is also a fellow doctor but whom I do not know personally or professionally. The surgery was labour intensive, and sometimes energy sapping. At the end of it, to conform with the spirit of professional courtesy, I do not expect any remuneration for this effort. It did feel unsettling initially, given the nature & duration of the surgery, but what did I actually lose? Nah....just exchanged 6 hours of my time for professional social responsibility, a notion I gradually warmed up to.
The good doctor (the patient, I meant :P) survived the surgery, so let's not sweat the small stuff.
The good doctor (the patient, I meant :P) survived the surgery, so let's not sweat the small stuff.
2 comments:
Oh, I did not know that there is an unwritten code of honour that doctors do not charge each other for services rendered.
Mun,
yes, it applies to fellow doctors, their spouses & very close family members.
but personally, I have medical insurance because I don't believe my colleagues should go thru the risks of treating me without fair remuneration.
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