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The Doctor's Dilemma: Preface on Doctors   By: (1856-1950)

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In Bernard Shaw's "The Doctor's Dilemma: Preface on Doctors", the renowned playwright delves into the intricate world of medicine, dissecting the ethics, responsibilities, and dilemmas faced by doctors. Written with Shaw's characteristic wit and sharp observations, this preface delves into the complexity of the medical profession.

One of the standout elements of this preface is Shaw's ability to provoke thought and challenge established notions. He presents a scathing critique of the medical establishment, questioning the very foundations upon which it is built. Shaw highlights the self-interest and greed that can often permeate the medical community, revealing the stark contrast between the noble pursuit of healing and the unfortunate reality of profit-driven medicine.

As a strong proponent of social reform, Shaw injects his socialist beliefs into his analysis of the doctor-patient relationship. He argues that medical treatment should be a basic human right, rather than a privilege reserved for those who can afford it. Shaw's arguments for universal healthcare and his condemnation of the injustices within the medical system are strikingly relevant even today, making this preface a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the ongoing debate surrounding healthcare accessibility.

Shaw's writing style is simultaneously witty, insightful, and incisive. Through clever language and a razor-sharp pen, he lays bare the flaws and contradictions that exist within the medical field. His ability to tackle complex subjects with such precision and clarity is admirable, and his exploration of the dilemmas faced by doctors displays a keen understanding of human nature.

However, at times, Shaw's arguments can be overly polemical and one-sided. While his criticisms of the medical establishment are valid and thought-provoking, he occasionally fails to acknowledge the complexities and challenges faced by doctors. This somewhat lopsided approach may leave some readers longing for a more balanced examination of the doctor's perspective.

Nevertheless, "The Doctor's Dilemma: Preface on Doctors" is an important literary work that sheds light on the many ethical and moral quandaries within the medical profession. Shaw's impassioned plea for reform and his biting critique of the flaws embedded within the system are as pertinent now as they were when the preface was first published.

Ultimately, this preface serves as an enlightening introduction to Shaw's wider play, "The Doctor's Dilemma", and lays the groundwork for the thought-provoking ethical exploration that follows. It is a must-read for those interested in medicine, ethics, and the ongoing dialogue surrounding healthcare.

First Page:

THE DOCTOR'S DILEMMA: PREFACE ON DOCTORS

By Bernard Shaw

1909

It is not the fault of our doctors that the medical service of the community, as at present provided for, is a murderous absurdity. That any sane nation, having observed that you could provide for the supply of bread by giving bakers a pecuniary interest in baking for you, should go on to give a surgeon a pecuniary interest in cutting off your leg, is enough to make one despair of political humanity. But that is precisely what we have done. And the more appalling the mutilation, the more the mutilator is paid. He who corrects the ingrowing toe nail receives a few shillings: he who cuts your inside out receives hundreds of guineas, except when he does it to a poor person for practice.

Scandalized voices murmur that these operations are unnecessary. They may be. It may also be necessary to hang a man or pull down a house. But we take good care not to make the hangman and the housebreaker the judges of that. If we did, no man's neck would be safe and no man's house stable. But we do make the doctor the judge, and fine him anything from sixpence to several hundred guineas if he decides in our favor. I cannot knock my shins severely without forcing on some surgeon the difficult question, "Could I not make a better use of a pocketful of guineas than this man is making of his leg? Could he not write as well or even better on one leg than on two? And the guineas would make all the difference in the world to me just now... Continue reading book >>




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