Does the insularity of the medical profession threaten its future in national health?

摘要

The first of these quotations is extracted from an interview given by the noted physician and commentator, Abraham Verghese, to The Hindu in 2006.' The second quotation is drawn from a critical analysis of the social roles of medical (specifically allopathic) doctors by one of India's foremost sociologists dating further back into history. Do these words hold true today? In this paper, we draw on findings from recent research to reflect on the power of allopathic medical professionals vis-a-vis health systems and societies, and its significance for their roles in the broader agenda of social welfare. We define elements of their vulnerability, as well as their strengths, and highlight avenues of change and the future choices available to the profession and to policy-makers.