Vexatious complaints and sham peer review; medicine in the times of capitalism

Abstract

1. Medical practice has evolved from ‘free for all’ to ‘fee for all’ model over the past few decades. With changing times consumerism, capitalism and gluttony became acceptable norms. Doctors adapted in this dystopian new-normal by neglecting allegiance to the Hippocratic Oath of fair practice. Floodgates of previously unimaginable medical fraud and malpractices were let open. The relentless pursuit of profits led to unique new challenges by the corporate medicine. ‘Quality’ and ‘safety of care’ became irrelevant for hospital administrators, as the values and guiding principles conflicted from the healthcare professionals. In this hostile work climate, anaesthesia often has to face vexatious complaints and sham peer reviews, from the surgeons as well as the managers. It can be a very dehumanizing and nerve wrecking experience. Patient and physician welfare demands that medical community is mindful of this abuse of system.