Physicians Observed

According to journalist-novelist Slavitt (The Killing of the King, etc.), the quality of a physician has little to do with his or her grades on medical-school admission tests or performance during the various stages of training. This overview of the medical establishmentcovering schools and hospitals of all typesis accompanied by trenchant commentary on how it affects practitioners and patients. Slavitt argues that teachers and clinicians deserve more recognition in the medical hierarchy than that accorded better-paid and -ranked researchers and administrators; he favors patient-oriented students and physicians above overly competitive ones. He also discusses the teaching of ethics, moral dilemmas created by technological and medical innovations, the special problems of women doctors, and the treatment of a growing number of physically and mentally impaired physicians, including those addicted to alcohol or drugs. (August 7)