RESPECT.
Is earned over a long period of time by one’s attitude, words and action that is perceived by the society as goodwill, compassion and dedication. More than half a century ago doctors by and large earned it just on obtaining a MBBS.
This was made possible by the exemplary public behaviour and dedication to the professional ethos exhibited by all the predicissors in the vocation of healing.
Our family doctor then,was an example. The whole town respected him but he never flaunted it, infact he was so humble to be oblivious to all that adulation. In the mornings he will make house calls,in his Austin car (self driven).No exception, he will visit an ill pt.in a hut as much as the D.M’s residence. If the male member in the family is ill he will even dispense the medicines in the house, otherwise, he will instruct them to be collected from his dispensary.(a subtle way of establishing that all efforts are not one way),
When on house visit while sipping a cup of tea, he will instruct, the children and the lady of the house on infection prevention, hygiene and nutrition. Unnecessary house calls will incur a charge 5 times the fee and also a reprimand, more importantly a warning, that any repetition will forfeit future house calls.
Never showed off his wealth in flashy adornments, never voiced his opinion in public on matters except on health, and was always available for the sick and needy any time of the day and night. Every one including the District collector, Judge and the local MALA had to wait their turn to see him in his clinic. His behaviour towards all was same irrespective of their social or financial status.
He earned the respect of the society.
It will be a great mistake to assume that , that respect was earned because of the medical degree.
By
Dilip kumar Baliga