A Critical Analysis of "The Doctor Won't See You Now"


        Kevin Asp
        02/26/97
        Essay # 1

  Initially, James Gorman appears to be stating that physicians should not be
ethically obligated to treat each and every "slob" that seeks treatment. The
title of the essay, and the sarcastic tone, give evidence that the thesis is
quite the contrary. Gorman does identify an alarming trend of physicians looking
through a cynical eye with an example of a survey by the American Medical
Association, published November, 1991. " Thirty percent of doctors surveyed
said they felt no ethical responsibilities to treat AIDS patients" (page 62).
This seems to set the tone of disgust for such physicians. Gorman further
condemns such physicians by reminding the reader "doctoring is a profession, a
calling requiring commitment and integrity" (page 63).
  Gorman confirms his argument with the first of many disenchanted views.
Making a comparison that " old people who are on their way out anyway" (page
62) are responsible for rising health care costs.
  Gorman then becomes almost offensive when he suggests some AIDS patients
deserve their predicament and others don't. At this point, the reader sees that
Gorman is being very sarcastic and bitter towards physicians who mare share
this view.
  In paragraph three, Gorman attempts to make an analogy between other
professions and related obligations. In essence, the analogy equates the amount
of money and personal taste one may have, with the level of care and/or
attention one deserves. The analogy appears to be very inappropriate at first,
however, this may be exactly what Gorman is trying to point out, making the
reader more sympathetic to the thesis.
  Gorman begins to touch on a sound idea of preventative medicine in paragraph
four, page 62, where he writes "... the medical profession is finally beginning
to see that patients have a responsibility for their own   health". The
credibility of the previous statement is... [continues]

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