This Blog is Not Doctored

Doctors are smart people.  Whether or not their degree says MD or PhD.  And they drop the conventional Mr. or Mrs. for Dr.  Which, some use to denote Drive, like Pine Drive.  

Anyways, simply, the difference between doctors and lay-people is 4-5 letters.  Oh, and four to fifteen years of school/residency.  Four to fifteen years of sleep and social depravity.  Four to fifteen years that they will never get back.

But those four to fifteen years are a necessity--a test that those individuals have what it takes mentally and physically to be doctors.  And why not?  If they are going to be charged with protecting the health or education of our nation, then they should be tested.  If they fail, then thank heavens.  One less malpractice case, one less injured patient.

I want to be a doctor.  And I am well aware of the test and hardships that lay ahead.  It's a daunting task that provides me with a great deal of respect for those who have made it through already.  Then, though, there are days, like one I had about a week ago, when I wonder how certain individuals ever made it through medical school.  

I completely understand if doctors want to write, particularly a blog in order to discuss topics within the medical field that may confuse patients.  I like to write, and I want to be a doctor.  Writing is a great way to connect with patients in all places and times.  It can strengthen the clinician-patient relationship by building trust in the physician.  But, I'm not sure how much I would trust a doctor who cannot spell.  

The other day my girlfriend was editing a blog for a family medical practice out of Dallas.  She works for  PR firm that has several medical clients, specifically doing editing for blogs.  She let me read his post pre-edit and I was appalled.  The man had no sense of grammar.  Or spelling.  Incredibly was typed "Incredibally".  I felt sick to my stomach.  Doctors are supposed to be distinguished, well-educated individuals--prestigious, some would say.  But that guy wouldn't even know where to begin in spelling prestigious.  At least doctor only requires two letters to be represented.  Or he might be a Dockturr.  And to be doctored, would look more like someone was a Dock Turd.  Wonderful.  Classy.

I'm thoroughly glad that med schools are requiring English classes now.  And, refreshingly, favoring humanities majors.  It would probably be in their best interest to have a spelling bee as a requirement for acceptance, as well.  For the patient of a dermatologist, that could be the difference between receiving Botox or a treatment on their buttocks.  And bringing a whole new meaning to being an Ass Kisser.  

Pucker up.