In the end, any local problem has to have a local solution. Unless you have the power to alter one or more residency programs, these reactions are all futile.
It seems that each hospital must act to tighten its own process, not depend on others. One thing we see is that there are many practices absolutely deperate to add another member, who grab the first warm body. Everybody has to be in some probationary period initially, and the main question is how to make that probation meaningful and based on some objective assessment(s).
You are correct in at least 3 things you have said in your posts.
1: Every surgeon has complications.
2: Some stellar surgeons did not start out so stellar.
3: A lawyer is often a doctor's best friend.
And I'll add a 4th. Doctors are often other doctors worst enemies.
Good posts!
I'm Australian, and the idea that you can be "let out" of residency without being good enough is strange to me. Why not require all physicians to be board certified before they can independently practice? Here, if you can't pass your fellowship exam (and a good 30% don't pass their first time), you look for another 1 year residency job which will give you enough clinical exposure while you attempt to pass again. You can't practice as a surgeon/whatever without passing. If you don't pass within a few years, someone will give you a Terribly Quiet Chat about whether you should consider a new career.
I really have to agreee, I think doctors are doctors worst enemies. My dad is a doctor and the stories I could tell you ...wow.
There is one key problem with your thoughts. That of bad faith review. I have observed residency directors "enhance" credentials of their buddies and do everything in their power to destroy the reputations of good and honorable people who were skilled residents because they called the program on bad behavior, the director didn't like the way they combed their hair or the color of their toothbrush.
A dishonorable institution (and let's face it they exist) can right now end the career of a resident with relative impunity. And there is very little an aggreved resident can do about it.
Unless there is independent oversight and review, how can we avoid this? Programs already have enormous power to end careers, whether justified or not and I have seen the "due process" altered to suit the desires of malignant programs.
Commenting by HaloScan
