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Doctors are the guardians of community health, and as such they have a duty to speak out on issues that matter.

A Message to Doctors: We have both an obligation to be a voice and the right to engage in rational debate.

The medical profession has a long history of watching over matters relating to medical ethics and medical impacts on the community and community health. In other words, we are considered the ‘guardians’ of community health and wellbeing.

This holds true today. The role of guardian requires doctors to remain alert to current medical trends and to educate and disseminate accurate information. When necessary, we must also be willing to challenge contemporary medical trends that we consider dangerous.

Time To Get Vocal

Oftentimes, this can take place one-to-one in the consulting room, following in the strong tradition of the medical profession. Nevertheless, when the issue involves guarding community health, doctors should not be afraid to be a more vocal public voice – obvious examples of this are the debates around cigarettes and alcohol.

The philosophy of the guardian doctor was articulated in an article entitled ‘What is the role of the doctor in community?’, published in Luke’s Journal from December 2011:

Within the medical profession it is [critical] to be aware of the threats to the future of medicine especially in ethical standards and the doctor-patient relationship with active involvement depending on the opportunity.

Within the community I believe there is a place to demonstrate excellence for the good of society. This includes promotion of physical and mental health in all its aspects, healthy families, helping the disadvantaged, and promoting a global consciousness with respect to all who are at risk or disadvantaged.

But there’s more. It is also [important] to be a voice to warn when the health of family and community is at risk and to engage in such action as is necessary to counter those risks. It is to educate re[garding] issues that shape our future, the responsibility we all have in voting, and understanding political party policies and agendas. All this undergirded by an awareness that some politicians elected with fixed ideas and agendas are not amenable to reason and hence must be voted out. (Volume 16, number 3, Luke’s Journal)

Taking “Such Action” as is Necessary

This excerpt regarding ‘The Heart of Medicine’ also from Luke’s Journal provides further insight:

[It is imperative] To seek, and to speak for, the future of medicine especially in ethical standards and the doctor-patient relationship, being aware of the lessons of history, with active engagement depending on the opportunity. Understanding that it is not enough to evaluate medical or surgical options while ignoring the merits of the purpose for which those techniques are being discussed. Understanding also that there will be ethical divides when it becomes essential for medicine to be decisive and authoritative, when there is no neutral.

To promote physical and mental health in community, helping the disadvantaged, and promoting a global consciousness with respect to all who are at risk. It is also to warn of risk to health of family and community and to engage in such action as is necessary to counter those risks both within Medicine and in Government. (Volume 25, number 2, Luke’s Journal)

There may be times when “such action” means it is necessary for us to engage the media, make representations to parliament, or even seek election.

Speaking the Truth

It may mean that, on occasions, we must dissent from the orthodox view expressed by the medical profession. In these cases, one must remember the following maxim applies.

Collegiality and loyalty – but not at the expense of truth.

The freedom of citizens to debate and educate on contentious medical matters via the media is an essential right in every age.

If this freedom is suppressed by the mainstream media and manipulative/coercive organisations, then the use of alternative media — including social networks — may be necessary.

Yes, collegiality and loyalty, but not at the expense of truth.

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Originally published on Choose Life Australia. Image by Thirdman on Pexels.