Our doctors must be held more accountable
Re Bad Doctors, May 1 The Star’s investigation reveals our socialized, male, patriarchal stereotypes of the profession. Doctors are seen as god-like creatures to be revered and not questioned. They are doctors for life.
The cases of malpractice cited demonstrate our inability to view doctors as flawed, normal and accountable human beings. While this may only apply to a small minority of doctors, the mythical, romanticized view of doctors and their work as gods persists. It is time we took a more realistic view of their status in society.
Doctors’ diagnoses are rarely questioned. Surgeries are private places where they do their work without any form of supervision by cameras or observers. Their offices are private places where doctors and patients discuss personal health matters. Patients wait quietly and see the doctor in order.
Doctors are governed by the Ontario Medical Association, which reviews their misconduct privately, whether sexual assault or medical malpractice. The police are rarely involved in cases that, for anyone else, would result in criminal charges.
All of these forms of reverence are patriarchal throwbacks to a time when doctors were all male and one of the only qualified professions. In society, we lionize and romanticize doctors. In every respect, doctors are put on a pedestal.
There are many reasons to break this stereotype and acknowledge that all doctors are human. This might lead to a more realistic approach to evaluating their work and determining their flaws. Robert Bahlieda, Newmarket
I read with dismay your frontpage story on bad doctors. Could the Star not have chosen another day to publish this piece? Tuesday happened to be Doctors Day in Ontario.
We ought to celebrate the good doctors who are called into the hospital at night, those who have missed their children’s events and other sacrifices they have made to provide care and compassion to their patients. Annie Kurian, Sarnia
These doctors took an oath to do no harm. They did that and worse. Treating patients is a privilege, not a right.
Canadians expect that there are systems in place to prevent these crimes, and that they work.
Where are the medical watchdogs who are responsible for public safety? Adam Frolic, Toronto