CORRESPONDENTS' VIEWS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 238, 8 October 1941, Page 6

CORRESPONDENTS' VIEWS

TRAINING DOCTORS

(To the Editor)

The Medical Bill, with all its amendments, seems to have been the order of the day for some time. The bill has now been passed, and the doctors feel that they have been victimised. What are the prospects for the future? Now is the time to prepare legislation. to overcome the greatest stonewall which faces not only the medical men of to-morrow but which has also stood against the students of yesterday. That is the enormous amount of expense that has to be met by those who choose to study this profession. It must be generally admitted that the doctors form a very essential portion of the community. Why, then, should they be so victimised monfr tarily at the outset of their careers, out of all proportion to the students and apprentices in many other professions and trades, all of which have their essential place in society. Might I make a comparison with another necessary professional service—thqf of the school teacher? On the one hand we have in operation a favourable scheme whereby the student receives a remuneration during the years devoted to his studying, while on the other the student is required to foot the whole bill himself, with the help, of course, of whomsoever may stand by him. And in both instances a service of equal value to the community is in the making. A similar scheme could well be inaugurated for the training of medical students. HUGH V. WARNER.

May I briefly reply to your correspondent "Realist," who apparently has replied to my humble reference to the doctors. I wonder if he has ever been ill and been obliged to call in a doctor at 3 a_m. in the morning. If so, he would know that the doctor responds immediately to his night call from a point of duty, not knowing whether he will get a fee or not. I feel sure that your readers will agree that the incentive behind the average medical student is his love for his work and his desire to assist in the alleviation of the sufferings of his fellow beings. The success of any organisation or society depends on how much its members are willing to contribute, not what they take out. GRATEFUL PATIENT.