Self

Dr. W was certainly taken aback by the remark of C. After a moment of dead silence, the young doctor said, “Professor, you proposal may have entirely legitimate reasons from a pragmatic point of view, but I still find it difficult to accept.”

“Why on earth?” The academic physician smiled,”Is it what TS Eliot said, man cannot face too much reality? Well, let me tell you the simple and obvious truth: It is not necessary to have a dedicated academic staff to teach each and every sub-specialty subject; medical students are mature university undergraduates and should be capable of self learning – including the legendary skill of reading textbooks.”

"Em..." the young doctor hesitated a bit, "I suppose your comment is absolutely acceptable, and honorable, for a medical student with some self respect to say to himself. However, it has quite a different implication if a medical school to have the same belief - you really have to be ruthless."

The senior physician shook his head and disappeared in the darkness.

***********************

The next morning, Professor C invited Dr. L to have some morning coffee. They quickly shared their own conversation with the young doctor.

The professor sighed, "You know, I find it difficult to convince myself with the argument that I put up. Dr. W has a point; we are not moving in the right direction."

"But, what can we do about it?" L asked.