INDEXING TITLE:

O Leyson’s Medical Anecdotal Report [05-05]
 

Period of Observation: May 19, 2005

Title: Indecent proposal

Narration:

It was late one evening during my duty when I received a phone call from the husband of my former
patient. He was fortunate enough to pass the bar exam and is currently practicing his chosen career as a lawyer. I became curious when he asked me to have lunch with him, asking for advise about something which I do not have any idea what it was about.

I tried to ask whether it was fine with him if he could relay the matter over the phone; however, he was
hesitant and he insisted that we do it in private, so I presumed it was more of a confidential matter. I decided to meet him the next day provided my work was not at stake. It was noontime when he called me, informing that he was around and waiting for me to meet him at the surgery office.

Out of curiosity, I proceeded immediately to the office. When I saw him, I hardly knew his face because
I could only remember his wife who used to be my patient. He inquired if we could go out and talk about
the serious matter after lunch. So I said ‘yes’ and we went to the canteen, then he said “Order ka lang doc
ako bahala”. We had our lunch after which I asked him again why it was so important to see me.

He started with saying “kasi po doc kailangan ko ng pabor”. He explained that he was handling the case of
a US veteran who was deceased and the wife was filing for support. The death certificate issued by the city
legal officer who saw the patient was not honored by the US embassy. If he could not produce a medical
certificate retro-dated during the time of the US veteran’s demise last August of 1992, the US embassy
will not grant the wife support. He was willing to pay me if I sign the medical certificate stating that the
cause of death was work-related.

After hearing this, I became extremely uneasy and was greatly dismayed over the indecent proposal. I smiled
at him and kept my composure. I was really disappointed at him because he led me to think that he only wanted my opinion, but instead he offered me money to lie in a public document which may be discussed in a court room. I asked him how can I issue a medical certificate on a person whom I have never seen before and much worse, his client was already dead. I could not possibly attest to his client because I was not yet a licensed doctor at the time of his client’s demise.

So many questions were running in my mind like “How come this person would even dare approach me and ask me for a favor that will definitely stain my profession as a physician”.

I told him that I could not grant his request because it was unprofessional and unethical.



Insights (Reinforcements, Stimulus, discovery) (Ethical, Psychosocial, Physical)

As physicians, we took our oath that we will be of service to our fellowmen, in the best of our abilities
and within the bounds of our duties and responsibilities. Sometimes, we would make some. Difficult decisions that will put our name and profession at stake. Our profession entails a lot of decision-making and problem-solving. Day in and day out, we meet different people with different needs. And if duty calls for it, we have to respond to these needs. But, as professionals, we have to look further into these needs and determine the necessity of responding to it.

In this instance, I was placed in a situation wherein my conscience and personal gain were put to the test.
I could have easily given in to that proposal with no adverse consequences ever happening to me. Instead, I
chose the less popular path with my integrity left intact. With the title of ‘physician’ comes countless responsibilities on one hand and privileges on the other. Needless to say, there are also numerous temptations along the way which may seem beneficial in the short run but can impart great damages on one’s
reputation.

Inspite of being a great physician, one may still end up having no patients because of a tarnished reputation. To serve the masses as a physician is a privilege in its own way. And one should take care of this privilege, not take advantage of it.