Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1878-05-10
[For the PhnniK.l
Physicians and Their Patients.

As n class, physicians are worthy of the
highest respect and confidence. They are Ia
Lorious, self-sacrifcing; and many of them
wear out prcmaturely III the service Of the
sick They do not excuse themselves during
the summers heat, nor the winters cold by
night. nor in storms. or over bud ways; only
if they can bring relief to those who are suf-
fering from sickness or accident. There is
true heroism in the life and labors of the good
and true physician, who will brave all dan
gers in the prosecution of his calling; and
rare self-abnegation, that will send him forth
in cold. dark. stormy nights at the call of the
poor. from whom he expects no compensa-
ton. as soon as at the call of the rich
The true physician feels real sympathy for
the suffering, and fathers care or n broth
er's concern for his patients In difficult cas-
es, he is held waking all night trying to de
wise the best means of recovery; and days
are spent in research for the best remedial
agents There grows up special attachment
to the families in which he practices, ns to
members of his own household.
What, then, should be the conduct Of pa
tients toward good physician?
Thfy MouM gire him their confluence. If
they do this, they will send for him aS soon
as attacked with disease. Many people re-
gard physicians necessary evils" TO be
dispensed with if possible; and will wait till
the disease is seated before sending for one
whereas had they sent rs soon Ms attacked,
he might have thrown it off, and prevented
a fit of sickness. Let the physician be the
Judge, as to how often and how long he is
needed in a sick room.
BE grateful TO yoUr phySieidH for his labors
and exposure in your behalf
Pay your physician promptly. No profes-
sion. the ministry excepted, is SO hard-worked
and so poorly paid us the physician. Tine
laborer is worthy of his hire"
But are there not dishonest physicians
| Candor compels me TO answer in the aflirna
| tive. And how can we know who is honest
by their fruits" An honest physician j,
| willing to tell his patient what medicines he
is using and what effect he expects them tC
have does not try to make it appear that hi
patients are very sick, so rs to gain the repu
tation of eiIeeting great cures; but on the
contrary, knowing that the courage of the pa
tient is necessary to his recovery, he tries, il
all right ways, to inspire in the minds of hi
patients cheerful hope; visits them no often
er than their safety requires; and cures then
as soon as possible. Old DIR, Jonas Twitchel
of Keene, n H., once said TO the writer; II
patient thinks he is going to die, he 'rW die
in spite of all l can do but if | can keep hi
courage up, he is very likely to live" dis
honest physician once said TO an honest one
that, The glory Of the medical practice is t.
have wealthy patients, little sick, neve
dangerous and by giving, daily little ipe
cac, or some other sickening medicine, keel
them down six weeks, and get bill Of siXt
to seventy five dollars each against them, ant
then let them up" In China, each fami
pays the physician proportional part Of hi
salary, while all its members are in health
but the pay stops while there is sickness i
the family. 1t is a calamity TO be sick an
when sick, one desires to get well just as 500
physician dishonesty to prolong the confnc
ment Of patient, is robbery and robbery O
the most reprehensble kind. There is NOR
or less danger to the patient if treated in thi
way ! and physician who will do it shoul
be regarded and treated as an enemy of man
kind, and avoided as a felon. But an honest
painstaking, skilful physician is public ben
efactor; and is deserving of all honor, and "A
extensive patronage. No class in commun
ty is more needed nor more useful