RT Journal
A1 BIEHL J
T1 PHilosophy and ethics of medicine.
JF American Journal of Diseases of Children
JO American Journal of Diseases of Children
YR 1969
FD February 1
VO 117
IS 2
SP 256
OP 256
DO 10.1001/archpedi.1969.02100030258026
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archpedi.1969.02100030258026
AB Dr. Gelfand has been in medical practice in Rhodesia for 30 years. In this small book, he sets forth his ideas of medicine. The essays are intended for young physicians, apparently, and include various characterizations of the doctor and his relation to patients.There is apparent contradiction in various sections, due perhaps to confusion of idealism with reality. Gelfand says that the doctor is as kind as the next man, is able to diagnose, has a good intellect, and is not merely clever. He pursues the truth, works hard, and "understands and respects the inconsistencies of man." Yet "presumably a large number of people enter the profession as it offers an assured and satisfactory livelihood." In another section describing the "characteristics of the profession," he describes physicians as conservative, fearful of losing patients, envious, and desirous of praise.The aims of medicine are to help to restore the health of