6 Common Myths About Doctors

Each of us occasionally faces illness, and in such moments, we particularly need the help of a professional we can trust. However, despite this need, patients surprisingly know very little about those who safeguard our health. Society is full of misconceptions and myths about doctors, which often have nothing to do with reality.

Today, we decided to take a closer look and dispel the most common of these myths to better understand who doctors really are and what challenges they face in their profession.

1. Doctors take the Hippocratic Oath

Many believe that all doctors still take the ancient Greek Hippocratic Oath, considering it an essential part of medical practice. However, the original text of this oath contains provisions that seem inappropriate and outdated today. For example, it mentions aspects related to assisting slaves and prohibiting certain medical procedures.

In the modern world, each country has developed its own form of medical oath, taking into account cultural, religious, and ethical norms of society. These new oaths reflect contemporary views on morality and professional responsibility of medical professionals.

For instance, in Russia, graduates of medical universities have taken the "Oath of the Russian Doctor" since the early 1990s. This document is not merely a formality; it is part of the federal law on health protection of citizens and has legal force.

In the USA, the UK, Germany, France, and Spain, as in many other countries, doctors also do not take the traditional Hippocratic Oath when entering the profession. However, they are required to adhere to professional codes and ethical standards established by respective medical organizations and enshrined in legislation. These documents serve as modern versions of the medical oath, reflecting values and principles important for medical practice in a specific country.

This underscores the global commitment of the medical community to ensure a high level of professional responsibility and ethics in the interests of patients and society as a whole.

On this topic, we recommend our article "Misconceptions about Hippocrates and His Oath".

2. Doctors rarely get sick

There is a belief that people dedicated to medicine have robust health and fall ill less often than others. However, statistics show the opposite. Doctors are even more susceptible to illnesses than representatives of other professions. One of the main reasons for this phenomenon is chronic stress. Daily encounters with severe cases and making responsible decisions place constant emotional and physical strain on medical professionals.

Studies show that one in five doctors experiences sleep disorders, and one in ten faces symptoms of depression. Moreover, doctors' specific attitudes toward their own health play a negative role. They often underestimate their symptoms, delay visiting a specialist, and thereby neglect their health.

Professional risks also significantly affect doctors' health. They are often exposed to infections and harmful substances. For instance, there is a high risk of contracting viral hepatitis, developing skin diseases, and bronchial asthma due to constant contact with allergens and chemical agents.

According to statistics, only about 2% of medical workers can be considered completely healthy. Mortality among doctors over 50 years of age is one-third higher than the average for the same age group. These alarming figures highlight the need for increased attention to the health of those who care for ours.

3. A qualified doctor never makes mistakes

The idealized notion of a doctor as an infallible professional does not correspond to reality. Doctors are human too, subject to fatigue, stress, and external influences. Even highly qualified and conscientious specialists can make mistakes. The reasons may vary: insufficient information about the patient's condition, lack of necessary equipment for accurate diagnosis, or simple human fatigue after a long shift.

For example, a therapist might prescribe a medication to which the patient is allergic if a complete medical history was not collected. Surgical errors, though less common, can have serious consequences. Anesthesiologists bear enormous responsibility, and the slightest mistake in calculating an anesthetic dose can lead to critical situations. Obstetrics and dentistry also report a high percentage of errors due to patients' individual characteristics and the complexity of procedures.

It is important to understand that medical errors are most often not due to negligence but to the objective complexities of the profession. Modern medicine is constantly evolving, and doctors continuously learn to minimize risks. Patients, in turn, should actively participate in the treatment process: provide all necessary information, ask questions, and carefully monitor their condition.

4. Doctors are highly paid professionals

There is a stereotype that medical workers earn high salaries. In reality, the situation is far from this perception, especially regarding doctors working in public institutions. The base salary of a doctor is often low and does not match the level of responsibility and complexity of the work performed.

Doctors' salaries are composed of a base rate and various bonuses, the size of which varies greatly depending on the region and specific medical institution. If local authorities decide to cut budget expenses, this primarily affects the healthcare system and, consequently, the salaries of medical workers.

Furthermore, the system of calculating doctors' salaries is complex and non-transparent. It may depend on the number of hours worked, the number of patients seen, meeting certain quotas, and many other factors. As a result, many qualified professionals are forced to seek additional work or transition to the private sector, exacerbating the shortage of personnel in public clinics.

5. Doctors are unemotional and insensitive

There is a belief that doctors eventually become indifferent to patients' suffering, turning into cold professionals. However, this generalization is unfair. Medical workers face diseases, pain, and even death daily. To continue performing their work effectively, they are forced to develop a certain emotional defense.

This "professional armor" helps them maintain clarity of thought in critical situations and make correct decisions. But this does not mean they are indifferent to their patients' fates. Many doctors deeply care about their patients, even if they cannot always show it outwardly.

It is important to remember that emotional burnout is a serious problem in medicine. It not only affects the doctors themselves but can also impact the quality of care provided. Support from society and recognition of the importance of their work can help reduce stress levels and improve the environment in the medical field.

6. Doctors intentionally write illegibly

Many patients joke that doctors deliberately write illegibly, making their notes a mystery to others. However, the reason for "doctor handwriting" lies not in the desire to conceal information but in the peculiarities of the profession and doctors' education.

During their studies in medical universities, students encounter a huge volume of information that needs to be recorded quickly. This forms a habit of shortening words and writing faster than an ordinary person. Over time, handwriting becomes increasingly illegible.

Additionally, professional deformation plays its role. Doctors, often dealing with the same diagnoses and terms, automatically abbreviate them in their notes. Emotional burnout and stress also affect handwriting: a tired and tense person writes less neatly.

Interestingly, some countries are taking measures to address this issue. For instance, transitioning to electronic medical records eliminates errors due to illegible handwriting and improves communication between specialists.

Moreover, electronic prescriptions are becoming increasingly widespread. They not only eliminate the risk of misinterpreting prescriptions due to poor handwriting but also automate the process of checking drug interactions and contraindications. Electronic prescriptions facilitate information exchange between doctors and pharmacists, speed up patients' access to necessary medications, and enhance overall safety and treatment efficiency. In some countries, the use of electronic prescriptions has become mandatory, significantly reducing the number of medical errors associated with prescriptions.

Practical recommendations for patients

• Be open and honest. Complete and accurate information about your health will help the doctor make a correct diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment.
• Ask questions. If something is unclear, don't hesitate to ask. It's your health, and you have the right to know all the details.
• Follow recommendations. Adhering strictly to the doctor's prescriptions will speed up recovery and reduce the risk of complications.
• Respect the work of medical professionals. Understanding and recognizing the complexity of their work contributes to building trust, positively affecting treatment outcomes.

Interesting facts about doctors around the world

1. In Japan, doctors often visit patients at home, believing this improves care quality and allows them to better understand the patient's living conditions.
2. In Germany, medical education is free and considered one of the highest quality in Europe, but it is highly competitive. Students undergo rigorous selection, and only the best become doctors. German doctors actively implement innovative treatment methods and place great emphasis on research.
3. In Cuba, medicine is a priority development area. It has the highest density of doctors per capita. Cuban doctors are known for their high level of training and often participate in international missions, providing assistance in various countries worldwide.
4. In Italy, doctors are held in high regard and are often called "doctors" even outside the medical field. The title "doctor" is awarded to anyone with a higher education and is considered a sign of high social status.
5. In India, alongside modern medicine, Ayurveda—a traditional system of medicine—is widely practiced. Ayurvedic doctors, known as "Vaidyas," undergo years of training and use natural treatment methods based on herbs and specific diets.
6. In Finland, medical workers enjoy one of the highest levels of job satisfaction due to excellent working conditions, social guarantees, and a balanced work schedule. The country is known for its efficient healthcare system.
7. In Israel, medicine is considered one of the most advanced in the world. The country leads in medical technology and innovations, including the development of new treatments and medical equipment. Many Israeli doctors actively participate in international research.
8. In Australia, there is a unique Royal Flying Doctor Service, which provides medical care in remote and hard-to-reach regions. Doctors and nurses use airplanes to reach patients in the most remote corners of the continent.
9. In China, doctors often combine methods of traditional Chinese medicine with modern practices. Acupuncture, massage, and herbal medicine are used alongside Western treatment methods, providing a more comprehensive approach to patient health.
10. In Canada, the healthcare system is government-funded, ensuring free access to basic medical services for all citizens. Doctors often work in public clinics and focus on disease prevention.
11. In Brazil, the Mais Médicos ("More Doctors") program attracts medical professionals from various countries to work in rural and remote areas. This helps improve access to medical care for millions of people.
12. In Japan, doctors play a key role in maintaining one of the world's highest life expectancies. They actively use modern technologies and traditional methods such as onsen therapy (hot spring treatment) and Zen practices.
13. In South Africa, medical professionals face unique challenges, including combating the spread of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. The country actively participates in global research and programs to treat these diseases.
14. In France, the healthcare system is considered one of the best due to the high level of doctor training and the accessibility of medical services. French doctors are known for their attentive approach to patients and the use of advanced treatment methods.
15. In Sweden, great emphasis is placed on work-life balance. Doctors here work shorter hours and have long vacations, contributing to reduced stress and professional burnout.
16. In the USA, the medical profession is one of the most prestigious and highly paid but requires lengthy and expensive education. American doctors often specialize in narrow fields and actively participate in scientific research and clinical trials.
17. In the Netherlands, special attention is given to preventive medicine and a healthy lifestyle. Doctors actively work on early disease detection and encourage patients to undergo preventive check-ups.
18. In Nepal, there is a group of doctors known as "Mountain Medics", who travel to remote Himalayan villages to provide medical assistance to populations without access to urban hospitals.
19. In Switzerland, doctors have high incomes and work in one of the best healthcare systems. The country is known for its clinics specializing in complex surgeries and rehabilitation.
20. In Singapore, medicine combines the best practices of East and West. The country invests heavily in medical technology development and attracts patients from all over the world for high-class medical care.
21. In South Korea, medical tourism is rapidly developing, particularly in cosmetic and plastic surgery. Korean doctors are considered among the best in these fields and use advanced technologies.

Understanding the peculiarities of doctors' work and debunking myths about their profession helps build more trusting relationships between patients and medical professionals. This not only facilitates the treatment process but also contributes to improving the overall healthcare system in society.

Doctors are people who have dedicated their lives to helping others, and our attitude toward them largely determines their ability to carry out their mission effectively and enthusiastically.