Double standard and patients’ care

There is perhaps no greater ease than that of a person succumbing to the temptation of deceit, guided by their malleable values. While it may be effortless to raise hollow banners adorned with lofty ideals and principles, it is an entirely different challenge to embody them. Among our ranks, there exist certain colleagues who endeavour to hoist the banners of patient care and proclaim it as their utmost priority. Yet, regrettably, their actions fall far short of such proclamations. No falsehood can endure indefinitely, for not all those who surround us are naive, and even the most unsuspecting will inevitably unearth the truth. Lies, after all, are held together by an exceedingly fragile thread. Those who dare to assert their flawless perfection and unwavering idealism ought to recognize that the day of their unmasking looms nearer than anticipated. In due course, their veneer of credibility will crumble, their worth will dissipate, and any remnants of virtue, if they ever existed, will be irretrievably lost. Can any vice be more repugnant than the act of deception itself? Read: Dr. Jabir Jassam: Beyond the white coat: A symphony of love While it may be a simple task to peddle articulate and alluring words to the gullible and easily swayed, within the realm of medicine, every individual possesses keen discernment, intelligence and the ability to perceive beyond mere words. Thus, I hold firm confidence that those with transparent intentions will grasp the underlying essence of this discourse—and hope that those with houses of glass will comprehensively grasp it as well. It is a folly of the highest order to conceive of oneself as intellectually superior while dismissing the capacities of those who surround us. Conversely, true intelligence lies in acknowledging the intellect of one’s peers, enabling us to act instinctively, guided by an authenticity that surpasses all pretense. When a physician proclaims an unwavering commitment to the well-being of their patients, while concurrently their patients are seeking care everywhere because their physician has failed to see them and tried to shift the responsibility elsewhere, it is not only a delusion born out of self-deception but also a grave predicament. Such actions bear severe consequences, not only for the patients in question but also for the future of the physician. Attempting to perpetuate deception becomes an exercise in futility, doomed to failure. Inexperienced young colleagues fail to fathom that their more seasoned counterparts have chosen silence not as a testament to their ignorance but rather as an embodiment of maturity. Yet, it is imperative for them to recognize that silence too has its limitations. They must acknowledge their own limitations and refrain from bestowing unsolicited advice and instructions upon those who possess greater age and experience. Firmly rooted in my convictions, I assert that those who err must acknowledge their missteps; failing to do so will only lead them further astray, deluded by the belief that their path remains righteous. In this instance, we inadvertently contribute to the creation of a narcissistic individual, poised to pose a threat to others in the future, much like those who came before them, only to be subdued and halted in their tracks. Empty promises and resonant words devoid of action are clear indicators of deception and a lack of self-awareness, as well as an ignorance of one’s own abilities and those of others. Within our ranks, there exist colleagues who cunningly mislead their patients by peddling ornate and honeyed words, possibly revealing their own intellectual shortcomings. Regrettably, the plight and suffering of their patients persist while they reach out to us, seeking solace, despite not being under our care. And when we question the reason for their contact, they reluctantly admit that their own physician guided them, as they themselves lacked the ability to attend to their needs. While a patient’s misunderstanding may be plausible on a single occasion, the recurrence of such incidents several times a day is not a matter of misunderstanding but rather a grave reflection of their callous disregard for the well-being of their patients and the respect they owe their colleagues. Occasionally, we may find ourselves falling behind in the diligent care we provide to our patients, but such lapses usually occur for discernible reasons. However, when this becomes an ingrained habit, it serves as an indication that something is amiss and demands immediate attention. I would like to share a personal reflection. Should there come a time when I find myself feigning concern for my patients, propagating empty slogans to enhance my own image, while secretly diverting them to other colleagues for their care, I shall recognize that I have become a complacent physician. In that moment, I solemnly vow to retire from the noble profession of medicine. Dr. Jabir Jassam is a family physician in Ottawa.

Double standard and patients’ care

Register for free access or login.

Related Topics