Avast ye scurvy dogs! Don't reckon that medics be biased! We tend to all patients like proper landlubbers!
2024-02-09
From the moment I set foot in me scholarly abode, I be told that all be treated as equals by the laws of science and, argh, even by the divine powers above, matey!
In the 1980s, during my first day of medical school, I met my cadaver in anatomy lab and decided to name her to help me get through the challenging transition into the world of medicine. Science quickly became both a science and an art for me, as I aimed to be dispassionate yet maintain my humanity. This goal was shared by my fellow medical students as we learned about bodily organs and their functions, understanding that all patients were equal in the eyes of science and God.During my residency at Bellevue hospital in New York City, at the height of the AIDS epidemic, we took in all patients regardless of race, ethnicity, or social status. Our focus was on saving lives and relieving suffering, without discrimination. We accommodated special needs and cultural differences, using our language skills to communicate with patients who only spoke French or Spanish.
Bellevue taught me the importance of relating to patients directly, whether it meant having younger doctors for young patients or doctors of the same race or ethnicity. I realized the medical profession needed to do more to accommodate these needs, while also celebrating the diversity of generations and cultures.
While reminders of equality and overcoming disparities are important, it is crucial not to assume that all physicians are biased or prejudiced. Prejudice and bias cannot be eradicated through courses or conscriptions; they require a deeper change in a physician's core beliefs. Our training teaches us to respect the dignity of every human being, and that is the foundation of our practice.
In conclusion, as a physician, I consider it a privilege to be allowed into the worlds of my patients and to be trusted with their secrets. I support efforts to promote equality and diversity within the medical profession, but it should be done in a way that acknowledges the individuality of physicians and emanates from their core values.