Articles

When was the last time you thanked your doctor?

19 September 2025

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By: Dr. Fiaz Maqbool Fazili

Appreciation is the best motivation in any job. It pays to give thanks at the workplace better than any gifts. “Doctor’s Day” is celebrated every year and people all over the world seize this opportunity to thank those dedicated professionals who work tirelessly day and night to keep their patients and community healthy. I scarcely notice patients or relatives giving thanks to doctors for their compassion, commitment, and patient-centered care. Not many doctors tell me a story of their most recent rewarding patient encounter, but most of my colleagues agree that the medical profession is one of the most important and, unfortunately, least appreciated—especially in our land these days.

Sadly, in our society it is uncommon to find a culture of gratitude around workplaces. Most people don’t realize that doctors are the facilitators with whom we entrust the lives of our dear ones in our most vulnerable moments. A simple “thank you” from a patient or relative is a powerful motivator for any worker to perform better, creating satisfaction and preventing burnout. No matter how lengthy or hectic a doctor’s shift may be, small but important gestures help stressed staff find motivation and purpose. At the end of the day, many look back contented and say to themselves: “Thank Allah, that’s why I became a doctor.”

There was a time when doctors were trusted. There was a time when prescriptions were not looked at with suspicion but valued for competence and empathy. The rules have changed, and some doctors are having a tough time adjusting to the demands of patients and their relatives.

Public perception of the medical profession has always been about nobility and selfless service, not money, name, or fame. But today there are ample examples of misinformation and malpractice. No doubt, there has been a decline in the moral conduct of a few corrupt doctors—those involved in kickback-driven medicine, unholy nexus with pharmaceutical companies, or promoting unnecessary medicines and procedures. These bad apples must be dealt with firmly. Yet people should not forget the unfavorable circumstances and limited resources in which most health workers provide care. Painting the entire profession dark is neither fair nor wise. Unfortunately, biased reporting creates an atmosphere of distrust and tarnishes the noble character of the profession.

As a quality expert and a proponent of “zero tolerance to negligence,” I believe many problems stem from poor communication with patients and their families. Risks, benefits, alternatives, and progress are often not explained well or in time. When expectations are not managed, relatives may react with anger and hostility, hurling abuse toward doctors. Hospitals must ensure staff security, while also displaying patient rights and responsibilities clearly.

Refusing unethical practices is essential, yet surveys show only a small percentage of doctors are truly happy in their jobs, and many would not recommend medicine to their children. This is troubling for the future of healthcare. Thousands of Valleyites receive care that improves their lives, but dissatisfaction persists. Blaming doctors for everything—often for issues beyond their control—is not a healthy strategy. Studies show that 90–95% of adverse events recur due to the absence of systematic safeguards, not necessarily staff negligence.

Demoralized and overburdened doctors, who already sacrifice their comforts, face exhausting, sleepless, and even hostile duties daily. Many patients and attendants openly express dislike through verbal or even physical abuse. This hurts deeply, especially when authorities fail to understand how such encounters kill morale and dedication. It is difficult for outsiders to grasp how challenging the profession has become, especially when disruptive behavior from attendants or VIP pressure undermines medical management.

Compromised standards, malfunctioning equipment, spurious drugs, and systemic deficiencies do not mean doctors should face the wrath of crowds. Eliminating disruptive behavior is essential to create a culture of safety in hospitals. Just as the public must adjust to the limitations of healthcare systems, so must physicians continue adapting. Our hospital staff strive to treat everyone with dignity, but patients and attendants must also recognize that along with rights, they have responsibilities. Many conflicts arise from unrealistic expectations. Restoring trust in the medical profession requires resisting the blame game, otherwise nothing will ever improve.

Dr. Fiaz Maqbool Fazili is a senior consultant surgeon and healthcare quality professional. He has served in India and abroad, and writes on medical ethics, patient safety and healthcare standards.