In defence of doctors
I appreciate the views of your readers in response to my article headlined 'Phone row a loss to society' (South China Morning Post, May 2). Let me apologise to readers whom I, in my enthusiasm to
portray doctors as human, might have led to the misunderstanding that doctors do not give their utmost attention to their patients. The professionalism inherent in all professionals - be they doctors, lawyers, engineers, journalists - binds them to offer their utmost to their clients.
It is the mission of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong to train the best doctors, who are not only competent but also caring and ethical. Medical ethics is an important component of our undergraduate medical curriculum. The principles and moral reasoning of bio-ethics and values which underpin the practice of good medicine are repeatedly emphasised throughout the five-year course.
We also make continuous efforts to adapt our curriculum so that our graduates will be able to meet the challenges in bio-ethical issues posed by escalating scientific advances in medicine, which might conflict with traditional beliefs, and rising expectations from our patients, to whom we have pledged to provide the best possible care. This is the basis of the Hippocratic oath, and it will always remain the awesome responsibility of the medical profession to try to live up to this pledge at all times.
LAM SHIU-KUM
Dean, Faculty of Medicine
University of Hong Kong
