Recently a senior physician kicked up a storm with the fraternity of Family Medicine Specialist and Public Health Specialist. She said the earlier was a ‘glorified MO’ whereas the latter was a gone case. I knew immediately based on this comment that he/she is probably one of those doctors who say they can sleep only 2 hours a day and have seen millions of patients in their lifetime. Her words were basically an insult to the experience and expertise the FMS and Public Health Specialists have regarding to their realm of knowledge.

Perhaps she did not weigh in on the patient factor when saying that FMS failed to manage their patients early. Here’s the thing. In Klinik Kesihatan, we deal with patients with a disease that is well. This means they do not experience symptoms of system failure or complications from a disease. Despite the advice, they’d be saying ‘I feel well, I do not agree with the treatment plan’. Or ‘If it gets worse, I would go to the hospital’. In case the physician forgets, there is something called autonomy and consent. Hence, no matter how well the intention is to make the patient better, if they refuse, they have the right to do so.

Till now, the FMS and Public Health fraternity have yet to receive their public apology but I heard that the physician’s comrades have taken note of her conduct formally and seriously. There will be repercussions although I have no idea as to what it will be.

Altercations between disciplines are inevitable. However, to take it to social media may not be the wisest channel to vent and rant. Often there are times I’d feel the same about my counterparts in the hospital but experience and professionalism as a senior MO (or is it glorified HO now?) refrained me from doing that.

The fall to the ground is more painful when you are at your peak. So, be careful.