THE MEDICAL PROFESSION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27090, 26 May 1949, Page 8

THE MEDICAL PROFESSION

Sir,—Recently a highly placed and .competent member of the New' ZealajHj'University criticised New Zeal££d t tneaical profession, stating that, lors of medicine —are liberated: 'upon the gullible public as " doctors” without practical experience but with tons of theory —and after all, “ an ounce of practice 1* worth a ton of theory.” ; V ,'S '

This lack of experience is strikingly noticeable when compared with the superior knowledge and experience possessed by English or Continental,doe* tors. The incidence of any disease^is. known as a certain figure in, say,. 100,00 ft persons; consequently, it. stands to: reason that in this country, with a small- population, equal to that of one large; city;, overseas, the opportunity for gaining, experience of or becoming acquainted -.withr any illness must of necessity be extremely limited. ■ ■/ Let us, the public, immediately insist upon every doctor who wishes to set up in private practice, first, serving for one year in a local hospital,- and secondly, serving for five years in Various overseas hospitals. * ■■ '''■■ y -i'lv - i It is fantastic when oiae ' stops - and meditates for a short time Upon the present state of affairs—incomes exceeding £2OOO per year being earned by bachelor graduates who have graduated during the past three or four, years. This is a much, higher standard of remuneration than the principals of our .schools and colleges. ceive, who possess years of study- and experience in their profession. ..(Hifijpublip can bring' about the desirable and necessary reform in our medical system if they consult experienced practitioners—then the other practitioners will realise that they will have to set about acquiring the necessary. additional skill. and experience.—l am, etc.. . Pro Bono Publico,