Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1914-06-26
SURGEONS. SURGERY AND PATIENTS.

SURGEONS. SURGERY AND PATIENTS.
DR.. John Beaver, one Of the promi-
nent medical men of this country,
supeaking before the American Medical
Association, said that too many oper-
atoms without justiiable cause are
performed and that abdominal and in
testinal surgery should not be at
tempted unless by experienced sur
geons. He said he desired to raise his
voice against too frequent operations
on the intestinal canal and the abdo-
men. Dr. Charles Mayo, of Rochester
Mimi agreed with him that there are
too many operations.
The same discussion is in progress
wherever medical associations, local or
of general character, meet and confer.
lit goes without saying that there are
too many operations performed by
those who are unit to assume sucn
grave responsibility. Other things
which are being discussed are the grav-
ity of that feature Of fees plit,ing that
makese country practitioners willing
TO serve thus as mere agents TO drum
up business for the surgical centers;
not that fee splitting is of itself en-
tirely to be condemned. but as is al
legged by medical men themselves. 1t
leads those who are not worried by
gain fees by urging unnecessary OPP
erations and affords the operator OPP
portunity to practice fraud and per-
form unnecessary operations for tie
money there is in it.
Inscriptions medical men who gain
the confidence of individuals or OF
| families and practice upon their fears
TO their own profit, those who operate
| knowing their oGvn incapacity and TAX
| ing a chance on getting thru with it
and that no trouble will ensue II they
| do not are mere confidence men. There
are not many such in the profession.
| The average physicians Of this day is a
|
sponsibility. He may perhaps have a
tendency to operate which should be
curbed. It is likely that Dr.. peayer
was right when he suggested that this
tendency to use tie knife unsparingly
should be checked. Surgery, free from
sepsis. Is comparatively a new thing.
The meteorological theory itself has
been accepted among medical men
within the last generation. And thus
it Is quite natural that the new sur
gerry with it's marvels should be over
worked.
But let none discredit surgery. No
greater gift has been made the human
race than anathesia and asepsis and
the skill which is becoming common
} among medical men. Forget that fool
ish and false impression that obtains
among the ignorant that surgeons and
hospitals lie in wait bloodthirstily to
operate for the delight Of it. Size up
your own family physician and ask
trust him or he would not be your
family doctor. Almost invariably he
is to be trusted. Check him up by
consultation If you please when an
important operation is suggested. It
is your right and an act Of simple good
Judgment. But do not in your mind
dscredit surgery, or the reputable sur
geon or the average medical practi-
toner tc trust the advice Of the ignor.
ant or turn in false hope to the medical
faker or the fraud who fa::ens on the
general fear Of the surgeons knife.
1t is up to the real surgeons an6
; medical men Of all speciaities and gen.
cral practitioners to back up Deavel
and Mayo, not only by word but ir
action There are too many oper-
atiors. There are men with certificate!
to practice medicine and surgery wht
are absolute dangers to patients and
whose ethical relations with patient!
render them unfit to remain in the pro-
tession It seems to be up to the medi
: cal associations and individual medica
men of sincerity, attainment and goo'
repute to defend themselves and thu
public by getting rid Of incl pable, in
= competent and crooked members o
their profession. And they can do
II they will.