“We have two guests with a cough and sore throat, but
they’re at a conference. They’d like you to come at three.” This news arrived
at nine a.m.
I love seeing two patients at the same time, but I
prefer going immediately. Things happen if I wait….
“No one asked
for a doctor,” said the person who answered the door. Shown the names, he
recognized them but added that they were at a meeting. He phoned and reported
that they had lost track of time but would hurry back. Their conference was at
a university five miles away. Their transportation was by city bus.
I didn’t want to wait, but I have an exalted view of
the medical profession. We are humanitarians, a superior breed.
All doctors agree but many feel that if they’re
treated with disrespect (by the government, insurance companies, or a discourteous
patient), their humanitarian obligations vanish, and they’re free to become jerks
(google “concierge doctor”).
After weighing my options and taking no pleasure, I
drove to the university, picked them up, drove back to the hotel, and performed
my exam.