Understanding the Medical Profession: A Doctor's Perspective on Poverty and Healthcare

As a medical professional, my mission is to serve and provide the best possible care to my patients. Yet, I often find myself addressing deeply rooted issues that impact my ability to deliver this care. One of the most prevalent challenges I face is the financial strain that many of my patients are under. This not only affects their health but also their ability to seek timely medical attention.

Health and Poverty

Health is not a top priority for those living in poverty. Unfortunately, the majority of my patients seek medical attention only when they are in severe pain or discomfort, if at all. Take, for instance, the case of a lady with stage 4 breast carcinoma. When I asked her, 'didn’t you notice the swelling when it was small?' she confessed, 'I did, but I was afraid that it might be cancer and worried about the financial impact on my family.' She feared that hospitals would drain her resources, leaving her children without proper care.

Common sense tells us that early detection is crucial for effective treatment. This lady's concerns are not unfounded, as medical expenses can be overwhelming. However, her reality highlights a stark truth: miracles don't happen every day, and the diagnosis of a serious condition can often leave a household in debt, with no immediate solutions.

The Role of Healthcare in Society

I am constantly seeking platforms to share these views and advocate for better understanding between patients and healthcare providers. Here, I want to address some of the common misconceptions and challenges faced by medical professionals and patients alike.

Hard Work and Sacrifice

We have worked very hard to reach this point where we are able to serve you. We have done this selflessly. We have dedicated countless hours to our studies and training, investing in the healthcare system to serve you. Majority of us are not here for money. Yes, money is very important for living. But so is it for you. Our consultation fees stand for the years of books and training we have gone through. We are not trying to cheat you; we are trying to provide the best care we can.

It is acknowledgment such as these that often eludes many patients, leading to misunderstanding and frustration. Understanding the sacrifices and efforts of medical professionals is crucial for building trust and cooperation in the doctor-patient relationship.

Personal Struggles

We are human too. We tend to see around 100 patients a day. After a point of time, we do get tired. We do need to refresh our minds and do need to go get a snack. When we say we will just come back from a break, we are not avoiding you. We really need a break. We also have a family. Despite that, we stay day and night sometimes for 48 hours in the hospital to serve you. None of us are complaining. We are happily doing it. Our families are at higher risk for infections.

Most patients don't realize the extent of the work that medical professionals do. They might see us for a few minutes, but they fail to see the countless hours we put in, both in the hospital and at home. Understanding this context can help alleviate some of the frustration and improve the patient experience.

Respect and Trust

Serving you is not a joke for us; it's a real job. Please give our profession the respect it deserves. Trust and respect are the foundations on which a good doctor-patient relationship is built. It's okay to be curious about your symptoms. You might have googled and found something similar to what you are experiencing. However, since you have come to us for help, allow us to help. Listen to us. Have faith in our knowledge, just like you have in Google. We order tests to confirm your diagnosis. We are not doing it to make money; we are ordering them so that we can treat you for the correct disease. Medical tests are crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Medical professionals are dedicated to ensuring the correct diagnosis and treatment for their patients. Tests and examinations are critical for this, and often, they can be costly. It is important for patients to understand that these tests are necessary for their well-being and not just a means to make money.

Sympathy and Empathy

You might have lost a relative during treatment. Trust me, we are in more pain than what you can imagine. But do know, we did everything we could to help. When we say 'we are sorry,' we really are.

Even as we strive to maintain our composure, the reality of the medical field can be emotionally challenging for both patients and professionals. The loss of a loved one during treatment can be profoundly painful, and it is important for patients to understand the emotional toll that this takes on us as medical professionals.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the medical profession and its challenges can go a long way in fostering a better relationship between patients and healthcare providers. By being aware of the hard work, personal struggles, and empathy of medical professionals, patients can approach their healthcare journey with a more understanding and respectful attitude. Let us strive to build bridges rather than barriers in the doctor-patient relationship, for the betterment of our healthcare system and the well-being of all.