Ethics in our professions

There is and always has been a need for good role models for student doctors as they learn the skills of medical practice. I think that the most effective and workable role model would be a physician mentor. But he himself needs to have qualities and ambitions beyond diagnoses or techniques.

The role model must also be an example of the best in professionalism with not only the understanding of ethics but also the simultaneous practicing of ethical behavior that becomes obvious to all those he or she mentors. '' Teach what you preach''.

This physician model-cum-mentor of ours should demonstrate personal humility. Humility, by oxford english dictionary definition, being the ability to give up some of one's self-importance and assertiveness and show them that there is merit in the practice of medicine to listen to the advice and concerns of others. This means not only listening/considering, even accepting, the advice and concerns of colleagues but also of those from other disciplines and from the patient and finally also from students and residents who look up to the him as a senior and a mentor. It is hard for some doctors to shy away from expressing their self-importance.

Physicians, inspite of wishful thinking, are not always right in what they know, what they say and what they do. If there is no introspection, the other virtues
may give way to misjudgments, error and absence of trust by colleagues and patients.

To conclude, I would tell students: “Physician, Be Humble”...Maurice

Philip James Baley wrote: “Lowliness is the base of every virtue,
And he who goes the lowest builds the safest.”