A Critical Analysis Of the Doctor Wont See You Now :: essays research papers

A Critical Analysis of "The Doctor Wont See You Now"Initially, James Gorman appears to be stating that physicians should not beethically obligated to treat each and every "slob" that seeks treatment. Thetitle of the essay, and the sarcastic tone, give evidence that the dissertation isquite the contrary. Gorman does identify an alarming abridge of physicians lookingthrough a cynical eye with an example of a survey by the American MedicalAssociation, published November, 1991. " Thirty percent of doctors surveyedstate they felt no ethical responsibilities to treat AIDS patients" (page 62).This seems to set the tone of disgust for such physicians. Gorman furthercondemns such physicians by reminding the reader "doctoring is a profession, acalling requiring commitment and integrity" (page 63).Gorman confirms his argument with the first of many disenchanted views.Making a comparison that " old people who are on their bureau out anyway" (page62) are responsible for rising health care costs.Gorman then becomes almost offensive when he draw outs some AIDS patientsdeserve their predicament and others dont. At this point, the reader sees thatGorman is being very sarcastic and bitter towards physicians who mare sharethis view.In paragraph three, Gorman attempts to make an analogy between otherprofessions and link obligations. In essence, the analogy equates the amountof money and personal taste one may have, with the level of care and/orattention one deserves. The analogy appears to be very inappropriate at first,however, this may be exactly what Gorman is trying to point out, making thereader more sympathetic to the thesis.Gorman begins to touch on a sound idea of preventative medicine in paragraphfour, page 62, where he writes "... the medical profession is finally beginningto see that patients have a responsibility for their own health". Thecredibility of the previous statement is destroyed when Gorman goes on to make afalse analogy, comparing doctors with small business, and suggests that theiris no diversion between the two fields. Gorman suggest that, like in smallbusiness, doctors should eliminate the "riffraff" in their establishments.Unfortunately, the definition of riffraff is never revealed.Gorman goes on further to suggest which diseases or ailments should not betreated without any reason except personal bias. The sarcastic tone is turnedup a notch on the proverbial dial from ten to eleven. Making a hastygeneralization would usually destroy credibility on an issue, but used with thetone and thesis of this essay, it actually supports Gormans point.Gorman specifies carpal tunnel syndrome as a deserved ailment. In the last