Respect: A crucial factor in attracting family doctors

When I was young, I played on a football team. We were a group of boys who loved the game and worked hard to improve and win. But one day, our team was asked to accept three new players without asking us first. These new players didn’t know much about football and didn’t contribute much to the team. Our captain, who was like an older brother to us, became upset and stopped coming to practice and games. He said he couldn’t play for a team that didn’t respect its players. We tried to talk to him and said we could play our way, but he knew it wouldn’t work. He warned us that what happened would hurt the team in the long run. Eventually, he left, and our team’s spirit suffered. We tried our best, but we started losing matches and became a joke to others. Read: Dr. Jabir Jassam: Fishing in the ER Looking back, I realize our captain was right. The team’s lack of respect for our skills and dedication was a big mistake and it cost us dearly. Respect is often the simple answer to life’s complex challenges. Married couples who stay in love through tough times always have respect for each other. Employees who stay committed to their jobs feel respected and valued for their work. Lack of respect can take many forms. It can be someone constantly controlling our work, interfering with our job, bringing in unskilled people or paying us less than what we truly deserve. Despite our efforts, it can make us feel undervalued and unappreciated. When family doctors don’t feel respected in their work, they may leave or medical students may not choose family practice. Respect is crucial. When doctors’ expertise is questioned or ignored, they can feel disillusioned. If medical students see this lack of respect, they may not want to be family doctors. I remember interviewing a candidate for a medical assistant position. When discussing salary, I offered less than what she expected. Instead of getting upset, she simply asked for respect. Her words made me realize I hadn’t considered her value and expertise. Respect is now recognized as essential for motivation and maximizing potential in the workplace. When people feel valued, they find purpose and fulfillment in their roles, which keeps them motivated. Showing respect and appreciation can be done in many ways. It can be as simple as saying kind words to someone or giving them a compliment. It can also involve improvement in payment or incentives. When it comes to the field of family medicine, fostering a culture of respect and appreciation can have a profound impact on the retention of family doctors and the recruitment of new medical students into family practice. By recognizing the vital role that family doctors play in the healthcare system and providing them with the support and appreciation they deserve, we can inspire them to continue their vital work and encourage others to follow in their footsteps. Dr. Jabir Jassam is a family physician in Ottawa.

Respect: A crucial factor in attracting family doctors

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