THE MEDICAL PROFESSION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27092, 28 May 1949, Page 8

THE MEDICAL PROFESSION

Sir,—l think "Pro Bono Publico” has painted a rather unfair picture of the recent medical graduate. Many students to-day are applying themselves to the medical course unassisted financially by their parents. It is not easy. Rehabilitation, Health Department and other bursaries need supplementing by long hours of vacation work in wool stores, etc., and graduation will leave them virtually penniless. Subsequent hospital employment at salaries equivalent to twothirds to one-half of wages commanded by unskilled labour to-day is not conducive to the amassing of the small fortune required for overseas study. Yet there are very few graduates in medicine who do not undertake such hospital work for at least two or three years after qualifying. During this additional- period of training the conscientious young doctor (believe it or not, most of them are conscientious) becomes increasingly familiar with the New Zealand scene, its social and health problems, and is not in any way inadequate to deal competently with them. True, he may lack that extra degree of finesse which may arise from overseas experience, but he is well aware of this factor and is willing to work and wait until his finances allow him to correct it. _ . If the lure of private practice to the aspiring young graduate is contrary to public interest as suggested, I would advise “Pro Bono Publico”for some other public-spirited person to attempt to raise funds to assist the recent graduate overseas. I, for one, after my graduation, would be more than glad to avail myself of such a scheme.—l am. etc.. Medical Student.