Temporary

After reading my blog yesterday, don't be mistaken: I never think we should focus on or increase the amount of "science" covered in the medical curriculum.

Yes, our students' plate is quite full already.

But more than that. The real problem is: After (theoretically) well nourished with the science and theory of medicine for five years, what do we ask our graduates to do ?

In the past few years, we have done away with much blood taking by house officers. For legal reasons, they are not allowed to admit patients by their own (without the patient being seen by the medical officer within a finite period of time). Many of the procedures are taken up by more experienced doctors.

In one recent meeting outside the solar system, it was further decided that our house officers would no longer be allowed to enter the code of diagnosis into the hospital computer system - because they are "temporary staff" and may not be able to appreciate a case properly.

Then, what's left for the new comers ? Filling in forms for bureaucratic purposes, ordering test label in the computer, copying drug prescription sheet ...

Come on, let's have a clerk.

PS. Talking about temporary staff, many of our senile colleagues would recollect our previous professor of cardiology began his position in the university as a visiting scholar. In a casual meeting some time later, he was asked about his title in the department. His answer was seminal:

We are all visitors.