A Critical Analysis Of "the Doctor Wont See You Now"

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A Critical Analysis of "The Doctor Won't See You Now"

Initially, James Gorman appears to be stating that physicians should not be

ethically obligated to treat each and every "slob" that seeks treatment. The

title of the essay, and the sarcastic tone, give evidence that the thesis is

quite the contrary. Gorman does identify an alarming trend of physicians looking

through a cynical eye with an example of a survey by the American Medical

Association, published November, 1991. " Thirty percent of doctors surveyed

said they felt no ethical responsibilities to treat AIDS patients" (page 62).

This seems to set the tone of disgust for such physicians. Gorman further

condemns such physicians by reminding the reader "doctoring is a profession, a

calling requiring commitment and integrity" (page 63).

Gorman confirms his argument with the first of many disenchanted views.

Making a comparison that " old people who are on their way out anyway" (page

62) are responsible for rising health care costs.

Gorman then becomes almost offensive when he suggests some AIDS patients

deserve their predicament and others don't. At this point, the reader sees that

Gorman is being very sarcastic and bitter towards physicians who mare share

this view.

In paragraph three, Gorman attempts to make an analogy between other

professions and related obligations. In essence, the analogy equates the amount

of money and personal taste one may have, with the level of care and/or

attention one deserves. The analogy appears to be very inappropriate at first,

however, this may be exactly what Gorman is trying to point out, making the

reader more sympathetic to the thesis.

Gorman begins to touch on a sound idea of preventative medicine in paragraph

four, page 62, where he writes "... the medical profession is finally beginning

to see that patients have a responsibility for their own health". The

credibility of the previous statement is destroyed when Gorman goes on to make a

false analogy, comparing doctors with small business, and suggests that their

is no difference between the two fields. Gorman suggest that, like in small

business, doctors should eliminate the "riffraff" in their establishments.

Unfortunately, the definition of riffraff is never revealed.

Gorman goes on further to suggest which diseases or ailments should not be

treated without any reason except personal bias. The sarcastic tone is turned

up a notch on the proverbial dial from ten to eleven. Making a hasty

generalization would usually destroy credibility on an issue, but used with the

tone and thesis of this essay, it actually supports Gorman's point.

Gorman specifies carpal tunnel syndrome as a deserved ailment. In the last

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