Calman K
Department of Health, Whitehall, London.
BMJ. 1994 Oct 29;309(6962):1140-3. doi: 10.1136/bmj.309.6962.1140.
It seems timely to define the purpose of medicine and examine the concept of a profession. This paper does so in the wider context of health, values in society, and the need to involve patients and the public as a whole. The author looks closely at what doctors do and concludes that making the diagnosis is a key element. The consultation is the building block for resource allocation. In addition to the diagnosis it sets out the prognosis and possible treatment and emphasises the importance of communicating these to the patient. Looking at the kind of doctor we need raises such issues as ethical standards, continuing professional development, team working, clinical standards, quality, outcomes, and research and development. Throughout, the role of education is seen as crucial. Leadership and vision are required by senior members of the profession if the opportunities presented are to be developed further.
界定医学的目的并审视职业的概念似乎恰逢其时。本文在更广泛的健康、社会价值观以及让患者和公众全面参与的必要性背景下进行了上述探讨。作者深入研究了医生的工作内容，并得出诊断是关键要素这一结论。会诊是资源分配的基石。除了诊断之外，会诊还需阐明预后和可能的治疗方法，并强调将这些信息传达给患者的重要性。审视我们所需的医生类型会引发诸如道德标准、持续专业发展、团队协作、临床标准、质量、结果以及研发等问题。在整个过程中，教育的作用被视为至关重要。如果要进一步拓展所呈现的机遇，该职业的资深成员需要具备领导力和远见卓识。
