In praise of philanthropy
Several years ago a critic labelled me “Dr. Profit.” I was asked later whether that offended me. I replied, “Not at all. I prefer that to Dr. Deficit.” The fact is that all Canadian health workers profit from treating sick or injured patients. Across Canada, hospitals depend on financial support from corporate “profiteers” who donate millions from the proceeds of their private enterprises. Likewise, most of the world’s great universities—and medical schools—depend on the generosity of benefactors who fund scholarships and endowments that allow subsidized education for those in need.