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THE HEALTH | SEPTEMBER , 2021
| Column |
Saints and rogues in academia
It is important to recognise a deceitful physician so as to save you a lot of stress later
PHYSICIANS have gained the term “ malpractice ” in the public eye , even though members of any profession may be found to have fallen short of appropriate care while doing their duties .
However , what specific obligations do academics have , and what standards of decency are required of them ? Everyone , including students , administrators , trustees , and alumni , as well as members of boards of trustees and alumni , face ethical challenges . However , colleges and universities are defined by their professors .
The practise of informed evaluations is fundamental to the educational process , and this critical role is on my mind . You are a disgrace if you abuse your authority in academia . If you lack authority , you are a farce . However , a faculty that consistently and responsibly exercises authority gives every student the chance to develop an educated mind .
If you miss this opportunity , you will be disappointed , but the disappointment will be compounded if the root of the problem is professional misconduct . Professors may be dumb , but they are never dull , slothful , or unethical . They may even be brilliant and indefatigable , intellectual and saintly .
Not everyone who is absentminded is imperceptive , and not everyone who is perceptive is absentminded . As a result , you will encounter a variety of colleagues in academia : the Good , the Bad and the Ugly . Academic dishonesty encompasses deceptive behaviour by persons working in academic contexts , including students , instructors , researchers , and anyone else involved in academic activity .
It is important to understand that there are two primary rules to follow when dealing with academic dishonesty . The first is unauthorised behaviour , and the second is unauthorised use of another person ’ s work in the course of an academic assignment .
Of monsters and mentors
I have encountered a wide variety of colleagues during the course of my 20-year academic career . Prof “ J ” was my dissertation supervisor in the United States . I ’ ve had the worst supervising experience of my life . Even with the best intentions , a supervisorsupervisee relationship may fall short of the supervisor ’ s expectations due to unrealistic expectations , supervisors who lack the time to provide as much detailed supervision as they would like and students who believe they require it .
It was the first time in my life that I felt entirely powerless . My superiors were backed up by the university and utterly ignored my concerns , while also informing me that I was fabricating events .
I am overjoyed and grateful to have been awarded a fully funded PhD at the PSU Neuroscience laboratory . Along with the aforementioned , I believed that working in an international environment and acquiring a diverse set of transferrable abilities would prepare me for a successful career following my time at the academy .
Unaware of this , I accepted a position that , rather than advancing my professional ambitions , sapped my excitement for the subject , my drive and self-confidence . I filed a discrimination
BY DR WAEL MY MOHAMED
complaint against him , and it took approximately two years for me to win it and earn my PhD .
He was prejudiced and bigoted towards me as a foreign student from Afrabia . Years later , I met and cooperated with Prof “ S ” who as it turned out , betrayed me and even stole my money and data . Both Prof “ J ” and Prof “ S ” appear to be saints with baby faces and flawless skin , but they are scammers who defrauded me of money and data .
How to recognise a deceitful physician ?
Being a good doctor requires much effort , especially in light of the current status of the healthcare system . Certain physicians , on the other hand , are plain terrible news . And , because the majority of physicians nowadays have equivalent education and certification , poor doctors don ’ t necessarily stand out .
The following recommendations can assist you in identifying an incompetent doctor before it is too late or before you refer one of your patients :
• Be confident of your gut feeling Problems will always emerge if there is something wrong with a colleague . This is an instance of acute “ medical burnout ,” and this warrants concern . Whatever the reasons , the fact that you referred another doctor might have a positive or negative impact on your reputation . If you have any doubts about the doctor you ’ re being sent to , don ’ t offer a recommendation .
• Be on the lookout for their feelings We strongly recommend that you stay away from a doctor who looks uncaring or indifferent . Signs of a negative attitude are evident when your doctor consistently remains chilly , rude or dismissive . When you encounter a doctor who is kind , caring , and interested , you will notice that they take the time to make you feel comfortable . Watch out for fancy offices , degrees or campaigns that could conceal a bad attitude .
• Be mindful of mistakes and issues
Being a good doctor requires much effort , especially in light of the current status of the healthcare system . Certain physicians , on the other hand , are plain terrible news . And , because the majority of physicians nowadays have equivalent education and certification , poor doctors don ’ t necessarily stand out .”
When people make errors , it doesn ’ t mean they are being careless . There is often something going on behind the scenes that they are not telling you about . If an issue like neglecting to answer calls doesn ’ t look severe at first and may seem trivial . However , the accumulation of little mistakes causes a progressively greater chance of a life-threatening blunder befalling you and your patients .
• Be cautious about overdoing it Malpractice lawsuits , unskilled , and sceptical of their own medical competence might be reasons for a doctor to be hesitant to offer needed tests and treatments . There ’ s no reason to trust him or her . When a doctor becomes irritated when you express your worries , or show him or her your own independent research , go to another doctor as it is a very serious red flag .
• There is outdated information Do not accept the ideas or treatments proposed by your doctor if he or she is unfamiliar with new developments in medical therapy . Newer techniques , despite conflicting data , often remain unexplored by physicians . Either way , it ’ s not a positive sign for future patient care .
• Lack of respect Before choosing a doctor , think about if they respect their patients ’ decisions . Is the doctor employing bullying tactics in an attempt to pressure individuals into seeking therapy they don ’ t really need ? Are the doctor ’ s techniques designed to terrify the patient , or is he or she just informing the patient , “ I told you so ?” In order for the doctor to be really sensitive to a patient ’ s concerns , responsive to their questions , and confident that the patient understands their condition and treatment plan , they must be accept their fears . Do patients have more patience with doctors who show respect for their time or colleagues ? If one of these answers implies disrespect , steer clear of the situation .
Many physicians provide many explanations for subpar customer service : stress from increasing workloads , limited resources ( both human and nonhuman ), and a barrage of insurance and pharmaceutical corporations . There is no excuse . Respect is free , and in the long term , it will almost definitely be more cost-effective .
You have made a major contribution to the medical profession on your own by steering your patients away from incompetent physicians and exhibiting the excellent physician behaviour you see as expected . Additionally , you are helping your practise succeed by guaranteeing its success . Reputations of physicians also travel swiftly . The faster it moves , the easier it is to brand them as terrible .
That is the problem since no one has said anything till now . Not a single fellow physician ’ s peer would dare to stand up against them . Even if you only direct your patients away , this will seldom be enough .
Disclosing the physician ’ s misconduct to the state medical board should help protect your patients and the community . — The Health
Dr Wael MY Mohamed is with the Department of Basic Medical Science , Kulliyyah of Medicine , International Islamic University Malaysia ( IIUM ).