In a message dated 1/30/99 4:19:14 PM !!!First Boot!!!,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<< Unfortunately, the way physicians are trained, there is little hope for
 improvement.  In a residency programme you are rarely chewed out for tests
 you do do, even if they are unnecessary. The smart resident will say, I was
 trying to rule out.... But you get chewed out all the time for not doing
 tests. >> Dr. Jack

Well, looking at the other end of this process.......
"unfortunately, the way lawyers are trained, there is little hope for
improvement.  In law schools, you are rarely chewed out for prosecuting
doctors for the tests they don't do, even if unnecessary.  The smart lawyer
will say, I was trying to successfully litigate (read as sue for
malpractice)......But you get chewed out all the time for not prosecuting
doctors for not doing tests (read as failure to diagnose)."
You can't diagnose if you don't look, which includes tests, necessary and
unnecessary.  Doctors spend a lot of time, money, testing, etc. practicing
defensive medicine because if you miss that 1-2% or whatever, you will
probably hear about it.
Sad but true.  Help us help you by supporting tort reform and/or making HMO's
legally accountable for their "medical decisions" (sic) and then we can
practice medicine the way Dr. Jack wants us to.  <g>
IMHO
Andrew MD
[log in to unmask]