Physicians Are Not Miracle Workers. Period!

I have written on numerous posts here over the past year or so about my concern regarding the widespread use of the word “miracle” in relation to medicine and medical practice. It is the use of this word by the media and the public that I think has led to the demand of the public for medical treatment to promote a miracle response when realistically there is virtually no chance for that response to actually occur. This demand has led to an unneeded rise in the cost of medical care due to tests and procedures which are being ordered by physicians under pressure from patients and their families. Also the physical and emotional burden of these futile attempts at a miracle on an incurable patient is another consequence.

Back in November of 2004, I complained about the tagline for the advertisements of a medical specialty group which used the expression “Blurring the line between medicine and miracles” which I thought was spreading an unrealistic relationship. Now on TV is the promo by ABC for their “Miracle Workers” to be started this week. Apparently the program will show patients with difficult medical conditions get free help from physicians and surgeons, presumably out of the goodness of the network. The intent of the program is meritorious, the title of the program is misleading and sends a wrong message. Physicians are not miracle workers.. period! As I have written previously, hope for a miracle cure is fine but don’t expect miracles from your physician, they come from some other source. ..Maurice.