Our shield: competence with compassion

Article Abstract:

The rising cost and availability of health care are two major concerns of the medical, public, and business community. The proportion of the population over 65 years of age will increase from 25 million in 1980 to an estimated 60 million in 2025, and hence, preventive medical health care has become of increasing importance. The implementation of various screening and educational programs has reduced the prevalence of sexually transmitted disease, death due cervical and breast cancer, and adverse outcomes of pregnancy. Screening has also permitted the early detection and treatment of metabolic disorders such as diabetes. Hormone replacement therapy reduces the death rate and can improve the quality of life among older women. Promotion of diet and exercise has reduced the incidence of disease affecting the heart and blood vessels. Society has undergone several changes, particularly related to ethical and moral issues, that may influence the practice of medicine. These include changes in the family structure, free discussion of sexuality, legalization of abortion, and increased recognition of homosexuality. Because of rising health care costs, economic concerns have influenced the practice of medicine. Patients have been referred to as 'clients' and physicians as 'vendors', and the allocation of medical care has been determined on the basis of cost. In the process, physicians may have become less compassionate and more focused on becoming technically proficient. However, physicians can provide both competence and compassion. These qualities, along with courage and consistency, must be maintained to provide patients with the best possible medical care. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Social aspects, Physician and patient, Physician-patient relations, Medical care, Cost of, Health care costs, Women patients, editorial

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Not to decide is to decide: presidential address

Article Abstract:

Individuals who specialize in obstetrics and gynecology need to address the shortage of primary care physicians. The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology has issued several statements requiring more training in primary care during obstetrics and gynecology residencies. These requirements have never been enforced however. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology has also addressed this issue without any success. Many female patients rely on their obstetrician or gynecologist for primary care. One problem is that no national definition exists for primary care. Another is that the role of primary care physicians in health maintenance and preventive care is still being defined. Obstetricians and gynecologists need to increase their role in providing primary care without minimizing their role as specialists in female reproductive health.

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Women: our responsibility to them

Article Abstract:

Doctors caring for women may provide superior care as a profession by devoting themselves to research into diseases and conditions that afflict women. Past and present leaders of the American Gynecological and Obstetrical Society emphasize the importance of research in finding the best solution for alleviating women's diseases. Doctors may have been too quick to perform surgery to remove functional ovaries in the past. The lack of federal research funds points to the need to develop private funding sources. Women obstetricians and gynecologists may be especially sensitive to the needs of female patients.

Evaluation, Women, Women's health services

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