It is really the fault of the profession if people do not favor the idea of students taking a medical degree in advance of their engaging in the study of dentistry. This would be very desirable. Dentistry is a branch of oral surgery. Oral surgery is a branch of general surgery. General surgery is a branch of medicine. Medicine is a branch of humanity. Humanity is a branch of sociology. Dentistry proper is then in reality a very small branch of medicine and is generally recognized to be just that, although a high degree of technical skill is developed by dentists. The dentist in our present system of education has not always developed that spirit which goes with the Hippocratic oath. He has cultivated more of science than he has of tender human feeling, and some dentists are prone to turn the idea of compassion to advertising account, by pretending to do painless work. This is not true of the dignified responsible dentist whose talents make him superior to any sort of advertising, and who incidentally does painless work to the extent of his ability.
Medical experts in cases in court should be appointed by the court, and the court should also arrange about their compensation. Most of the complaint about medical experts is due to the fault of lawyers in not being competent to manage these experts. If judges upon the same bench cannot always agree upon what is good law, they must not insist upon physicians giving 'yes and no' answers in matters of medicine.
We passed fairly well out of the stage of superstition in medicine in the nineteenth century. We are now in the midst of the analytic era and moving toward the synthetic stage. Men of the generalizing type of mind are beginning to coordinate facts in such a way as to bring out great fundamental truths; and the parallel rays of facts are being condensed through lenses of the diagnostician.
The old time physician was close to the pastor of the church in his sympathy, kindness, good counsel and good cheer. He had been sacrificed upon the altar of science. Men who had made special study of special subjects ran away with his patients. One reason why the good old general practitioner threatened to leave us was because the towns are all full of human nature. People took advantage of his kindness as they did of the clergyman's kindness, and deprived him of means for travel and study and for getting up-to-date.
In order to take a commanding position, the general practitioner is to acquire a high degree of medical knowledge. The long course of medical education at the present time is in line with all progress in culture in the world. Men are fitting themselves to be more useful to the race than were the older practitioners. Their methods are to be more severely dignified, more kind in a general way through utility which is upon a scientific basis.
The difficulty which a layman may find in the selection of a consultant was painfully evident in a case which came into the office one day this week. A father called with his beautiful young daughter who had enlargement of the lymph glands of the neck. The von Pirquet test gave a positive reaction for tuberculosis. I did not know that another surgeon had been consulted previously and had agreed with the family physician that an extensive operation was the only resource which would cure the disease, and avert the danger of extension of the tuberculous process to other structures.
<Callout type="important" title="Choosing a Consultant">It is difficult indeed for a layman in the city to find the right physician if he has been so unfortunate as to have had good health until some emergency arises. If he depends upon the advice of acquaintances, he is very likely to go wrong.</Callout>
There is one fairly good way in which the layman may make a start, and that is by consulting the medical directory which is found in every drug store.
Key Takeaways
- Medical experts should be appointed by courts to ensure unbiased opinions.
- General practitioners are essential for comprehensive patient care and community support.
- The selection of a consultant is crucial and can impact the outcome of medical treatment.
Practical Tips
- Consult multiple sources before making decisions about medical treatments.
- Seek advice from general practitioners who have broad knowledge across various specialties.
Warnings & Risks
- Relying solely on acquaintances for medical referrals may lead to choosing an incompetent physician.
- Avoid being misled by large advertising signs indicating a doctor's office, as these do not necessarily reflect the quality of care provided.
Modern Application
While this chapter focuses on historical perspectives regarding medical education and patient care, its emphasis on the importance of general practitioners remains relevant today. Modern emergency response still values the broad knowledge base of primary care providers who can make informed decisions about when to refer patients to specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is it important for courts to appoint medical experts?
Courts should appoint medical experts to ensure that the opinions provided are unbiased and based on professional standards rather than influenced by legal disputes.
Q: What role does a general practitioner play in modern healthcare?
General practitioners continue to be crucial for comprehensive patient care, providing broad knowledge across various specialties and serving as primary points of contact for medical advice and referrals.
Q: How can one avoid choosing an incompetent physician?
Avoid relying solely on acquaintances or large advertising signs. Instead, consult a medical directory to find reputable general practitioners who can guide you towards the right specialists if needed.